# Massive Attack calls out Ed Sheeran over Macklemore censorship

> The band demands artists stop silencing peers over Palestine advocacy, sparking industry reckoning.
- Title: Massive Attack calls out Ed Sheeran over Macklemore censorship
- Summary: The band demands artists stop silencing peers over Palestine advocacy, sparking industry reckoning. Major artists are now publicly refusing to stay silent…
- Keywords: breaking, massive attack, ed sheeran, macklemore, palestine advocacy, artist censorship, gaza, tour cancellation, garbage band, finneas, lukas graham, bds movement
- Source: Rolling Stone — https://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/massive-attack-calls-out-ed-sheeran-over-macklemore-tour-1235627527
- Author: Larisha Paul
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:15:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, massive attack, ed sheeran, macklemore, palestine advocacy, artist censorship, gaza, tour cancellation, garbage band, finneas, lukas graham, bds movement
## Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's dates after venue owners refused to host him over his public support for Palestinians in Gaza.
## Massive Attack demands solidarity
The band posted that no artist should tolerate censoring another artist, standing with those risking careers to defend Palestinian rights.

> No artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist, however many millions of dollars are in play.
## Sheeran's neutrality gets pushback
The band criticized Sheeran's claim to maintain diplomacy and safety, saying entertainment cannot be bigger than resisting genocide.

> Entertainment can never be bigger than resisting the apartheid & genocide of fellow human beings.
## Multiple acts withdraw in solidarity
Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe dropped from the tour, joining fans canceling tickets to stand with their conscience.
## Garbage calls it a turning point
The band said the moment shows global consciousness has shifted and the normalization of apartheid will no longer be tolerated in mainstream culture.

> This is a clear and undeniable sign that the global consciousness has shifted.
## Massive Attack's years of activism
The band was banned from Singapore for displaying the Palestinian flag onstage, released a Gaza relief charity EP, and launched an artist alliance against industry intimidation.
## Key takeaway

Major artists are now publicly refusing to stay silent when peers face professional consequences for supporting Palestinian rights.