Four acts quit Ed Sheeran tour in solidarity with dropped rapper Macklemore
Four supporting musicians withdrew from Ed Sheeran's North and South American Loop tour on Tuesday after the promoter removed opening act Macklemore following his pro-Palestine comments.
Withdrawals announced by artists
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham posted statements on social media confirming their departure. Finneas cited the need for artists to remain free when speaking up for oppressed groups. Rowe and Lukas Graham were scheduled to replace Macklemore on the remaining US dates.
Reasons behind the removal
Sheeran stated that venue owners pressured him to drop Macklemore after remarks made at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper had spoken about Gaza and the West Bank while using the phrase free Palestine during a September speech. Some venue owners, including Robert Kraft, opposed keeping the artist on the lineup.
Impact on upcoming schedule
The Irish singer Aaron Rowe had previously performed with Sheeran in Australia earlier this year. Beoga was set to sing several songs written with Sheeran during the middle of each set. The tour dates in South America were scheduled for November.
2 outlets, different leads
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The Guardian
All supporting acts withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore
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South China Morning Post
Ed Sheeran tour in trouble after 4 acts quit in support of Macklemore
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.