# Ed Sheeran's tour implodes over Macklemore's Gaza comments

> Four opening acts quit after the rapper was dropped for pro-Palestinian statements, leaving the stadium tour in chaos.
- Title: Ed Sheeran's tour implodes over Macklemore's Gaza comments
- Summary: Four opening acts quit after the rapper was dropped for pro-Palestinian statements, leaving the stadium tour in chaos. Artists refusing to stay silent on…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, tour cancellation, gaza conflict, palestine, finneas, lukas graham, aaron rowe, beoga, robert kraft, gillette stadium, messina touring group
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/16/g-s1-143549/ed-sheeran-tour-trouble
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, tour cancellation, gaza conflict, palestine, finneas, lukas graham, aaron rowe, beoga, robert kraft, gillette stadium, messina touring group
## Four acts quit Sheeran tour
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham, and Finneas all dropped out Tuesday in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed for pro-Palestinian comments.

> Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
## Macklemore dropped after stadium speech
The rapper was kicked off the Loop Tour after shouting "Free Palestine!" at MetLife Stadium and performing his protest song "Hind's Hall."
## Robert Kraft rallied venues against him
The Patriots owner and Gillette Stadium boss led multiple U.S. venues to prohibit Macklemore from performing, citing antisemitic concerns.
## Irish acts cite colonial history
Beoga and Rowe both referenced Ireland's experience with colonialism and genocide in explaining why they couldn't stay silent on Palestine.

> We are Irish people who understand colonialism.
## Lukas Graham rejects money over speech
The Danish band said no one's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge.

> Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation.
## Sheeran blames promoters, not himself
The British singer said dropping Macklemore was the promoter's decision alone and that he tried all week to build a bridge with venues.

> I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew.
## Sheeran refuses political stance
He argues fans don't come to his shows for politics and that he chooses to use his platform as a place of safety, not a political forum.

> I am not complicit.
## Tour faces uncertain future
With eight of ten remaining stadium shows affected and key performers gone, Sheeran's North and South American tour resumes Saturday in Philadelphia.
## Key takeaway

Artists refusing to stay silent on Gaza have triggered a domino effect that's disrupting one of music's biggest tours.