From Variety · Steven J. Horowitz · · 1m 20s
Ed Sheeran's tour keeps losing openers
Three acts have now walked off Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after Macklemore was cut for pro-Palestine comments onstage.
In brief
Three acts have now walked off Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after Macklemore was cut for pro-Palestine comments onstage. Dropping Macklemore did not end the story, it cost the tour three more openers and put Sheeran on the defensive. Originally reported by Variety.
Finneas walks away
Finneas pulled out of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour on September 15, joining a growing exit after fellow opener Macklemore was dismissed for supporting Palestine.
“I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Six South American dates gone
He was booked to open six shows in late November and early December. He announced the withdrawal on social media the day after Macklemore was removed.
His reason, in one line
Finneas framed it as a free expression issue rather than a scheduling one, arguing that performers should not lose work for defending people under attack.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Aaron Rowe and Beoga went first
Singer Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga announced their departures just before Finneas did. Rowe tied his decision to Ireland's own history of famine and occupation.
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices”
What Macklemore said
Macklemore made forceful free Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. He was off the tour by Monday.
Kraft named, Sheeran denies
Macklemore accused billionaire Robert Kraft of rallying stadium owners to ban him. Sheeran said the removal was not his call and that he tried to intervene.
The big picture
Dropping Macklemore did not end the story, it cost the tour three more openers and put Sheeran on the defensive.
