From Variety · Steven J. Horowitz · · 1m 10s
Ed Sheeran's opener quits over Macklemore
One rising Irish singer gave up the biggest stage of his career a week after another act was cut for the same stance.
In brief
One rising Irish singer gave up the biggest stage of his career a week after another act was cut for the same stance. Aaron Rowe left Ed Sheeran's North American tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped for supporting Palestine. Originally reported by Variety.
The opener walks
Singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe pulled out as a supporting act on the North American leg of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour.
“I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran's 'The Loop' North American Tour”
What set it off
Fellow supporting act Macklemore was dismissed from the same tour after voicing his support for Palestine.
He said it too
In an Instagram post, the Irish musician stated his own support for Palestine while laying out why he was leaving the trek.
Not a snap decision
Rowe made clear the choice cost him something. He weighed it rather than firing off a reaction.
“I don't take the decision lightly.”
No grudge against Ed
He separated the stance from the headliner, thanking Sheeran for a friendship and a career break he says changed everything.
“Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”
The line he drew
Rowe framed the exit as a limit on who gets to decide what artists can say from a stage.
“I cannot allow billionaires to silence rightful voices”
The key point
Aaron Rowe left Ed Sheeran's North American tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped for supporting Palestine.
