# 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.
- Title: Ed Sheeran's opener quits over Macklemore · Variety | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, palestine, music industry, protest, entertainment, culture, Sheeran's, opener, quits, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ed-sheeran-opener-aaron-rowe-pulls-out-tour-macklemore-1236863316
- Author: Steven J. Horowitz
- Published: 2026-09-15T19:11:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, palestine, music industry, protest, entertainment, culture
## 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
## Key takeaway

Aaron Rowe left Ed Sheeran's North American tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped for supporting Palestine.