# Ed Sheeran's tour collapses as band and all openers quit

> His backing band and every support act withdrew after Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestine comments.
- Title: Ed Sheeran's tour collapses as band and all openers quit
- Summary: His backing band and every support act withdrew after Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestine comments. Ed Sheeran's US tour lost his backing band and all…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, beoga, loop tour, palestine, israel, finneas, lukas graham, aaron rowe, robert kraft, gillette stadium, tour cancellation
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/concerts-gigs-tours/ed-sheerans-own-backing-band-and-all-supports-withdraw-from-loop-tour
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:49:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, beoga, loop tour, palestine, israel, finneas, lukas graham, aaron rowe, robert kraft, gillette stadium, tour cancellation
## Sheeran's backing band quits tour
Beoga, the Irish folk group backing Ed Sheeran on his US Loop Tour, withdrew from stadium dates. They previously collaborated on his 2017 album Divide and Galway Girl.
## Won't play venues silencing Palestine
Beoga said playing stadiums was a dream opportunity, but they refuse to perform in venues that silence anyone advocating for a free Palestine.

> to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.
## Macklemore booted after Palestine speech
Macklemore was removed from the tour after a two-minute speech at MetLife Stadium advocating for a free Palestine and criticizing ICE.
## Billionaire owner led the push
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the Israeli American Council organized a petition. Their pressure led venue owners to demand Macklemore's removal.
## Kraft called it antisemitic rhetoric
Kraft said Macklemore's speech and broader history included antisemitic rhetoric and imagery deeply offensive to the Jewish community.
## Sheeran says promoter made the call
Sheeran posted he's appalled by the conflict and respects Macklemore, but the promoter decided to remove him. He tried all week to find a solution.

> Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision
## All support acts quit in solidarity
FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe all withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore after his removal.
## Tour resumes with no one left
Sheeran's US tour is scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia, now without his backing band or any support acts.
## Key takeaway

Ed Sheeran's US tour lost his backing band and all support acts after venues banned Macklemore for speaking about Palestine onstage.