Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in North America has been hit by a wave of withdrawals after all four supporting acts — Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga — pulled out following Macklemore’s removal from the tour. The artists said their decisions were made in solidarity with the rapper.
Macklemore was dropped from the remaining tour dates after making pro-Palestinian statements during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he shouted “Free Palestine” and performed Hind’s Hall, his protest song connected to the war in Gaza.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that several venues had indicated they would not allow concerts to proceed if Macklemore remained on the line-up. The controversy also involved New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, who confirmed his role in preventing Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, citing what he described as the rapper’s history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Macklemore has rejected accusations of antisemitism, maintaining that his support for Palestine was the reason he was removed. Meanwhile, Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the promoter and venues, not by him personally, after pressure from several stadiums.
The four supporting artists subsequently withdrew from the tour. Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking about oppression, while Rowe referenced Ireland’s history in explaining his position. Lukas Graham also questioned the influence of wealthy individuals over who is allowed to speak on major stages.
