# Ed Sheeran’s opener crisis, explained

> Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour, then more openers quit. Now the stadium run faces a messy test.
- Title: Ed Sheeran’s opener crisis, explained · Billboard | Shortify
- Summary: Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour, then more openers quit. Now the stadium run faces a messy test. The dispute turns on who controls a stadium…
- Keywords: music, touring, concerts, palestine, stadiums, Sheeran, opener, crisis, explained, Billboard
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/pro/macklemore-removed-ed-sheeran-tour-whats-next-faq
- Author: Ariel King
- Published: 2026-09-15T21:11:24+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: music, touring, concerts, palestine, stadiums
## Macklemore was removed
Macklemore lost his opening slot on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after two MetLife Stadium shows where he performed “Hind’s Hall” and said “Free Palestine.”
## The song drew fire
The performances followed Macklemore’s public criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza. P!nk and Boy George were among those criticizing him on social media.
## Only two shows happened
Macklemore had been booked for 10 Sheeran dates. He played only the two New Jersey stadium shows before being pulled from the run.
## Kraft pushed back
Macklemore said Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, called Sheeran and warned that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform there.

> if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues
## Kraft explained why
Kraft said Macklemore’s recent stage material and past rhetoric crossed a line for Gillette’s Sept. 25 and 26 concerts.

> deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community
## Sheeran denied control
Sheeran said the call was not his. He said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, and the promoter and venues made the final decision.

> it was not mine
## The promoter cited venues
Messina Touring said upcoming venues would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the bill, creating a risk of canceled shows for hundreds of thousands of fans.
## Openers then exited
Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe quit the tour in response. Each said they opposed silencing artists and stood with Palestine.
## Beoga also left
Beoga, the band that backs parts of Sheeran’s own performance, also pulled out, leaving Sheeran with more than opening slots to replace.
## The decision is muddy
Macklemore pointed to Kraft and stadium owners. Sheeran pointed to venues and the promoter. Kraft said the threat started with him.

> The venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.
## The scale is unusual
Smaller venues have canceled shows over Israel and Palestine disputes before. A group of stadium owners pressuring a headliner over an opener appears far rarer.
## Contracts decide payment
Whether Macklemore gets paid depends on his deal, including cancellation and force majeure terms. Openers who quit on their own likely give up their fees.
## No opener is possible
Sheeran could try to refill the empty slots, play without openers, or face cancellations if the fallout keeps growing.
## The next test arrives
The next scheduled date is Sept. 19 in Philadelphia. Gillette Stadium, the venue that first banned Macklemore, follows on Sept. 25 and 26.
## Key takeaway

The dispute turns on who controls a stadium bill when political speech threatens venues, contracts, sponsors, and fans.