Artists including Finneas and Aaron Rowe withdrew from upcoming concerts after US rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour following pro-Palestine remarks.
Four supporting artists have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s upcoming concert tour in solidarity with American rapper Macklemore, who was dropped from the lineup following pro-Palestine remarks during a live performance.
Irish artist Aaron Rowe, traditional band Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and singer-songwriter Finneas announced their decisions to step down in separate statements shared on Instagram.
The controversy began on September 5 when Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine” during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Following his removal from subsequent tour dates, fellow performers voiced support for the rapper and defended the right of artists to speak out.
Finneas, brother of pop singer Billie Eilish, wrote on Instagram that artists should not be silenced for raising their voices for oppressed people.
“I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming concerts with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people,” Finneas wrote.
Aaron Rowe acknowledged that Ed Sheeran is a friend who played a significant role in his life, but stated he could not remain silent on the issue of Palestine given historical parallels.
“We Irish people understand history, genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation very well,” Rowe wrote. “I cannot allow billionaires to use their power to silence people who are speaking out about this issue.”
Irish band Beoga, founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, echoed similar sentiments, stating they understand the history of colonialism and would continue their pursuit of justice.
Danish band Lukas Graham described their departure as a difficult decision while thanking Ed Sheeran.
“Money does not give someone control over discourse,” the band wrote. “Someone’s bank account cannot decide who is allowed to speak and whose suffering can be acknowledged.”
For his part, Ed Sheeran distanced himself from the decision to drop Macklemore, stating that the move was made by tour promoters and venue organizers rather than himself.
“The decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was made by the organizers, not me,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram, adding that he had spent days trying to resolve the issue with venue management before the organizers’ decision was upheld.
Sheeran stated that while he holds personal views on the Gaza conflict, he generally avoids public discussion on the matter during his concerts, where audiences gather for music. He praised Macklemore’s position while emphasizing that peace can be pursued through different approaches.
Macklemore later stated on Instagram that several U.S. venues had informed concert organizers that performances would be barred if he remained on the bill, leading to his removal from the tour. The rapper defended his comments regarding Palestine and his criticism of Israeli policies.
Reports indicate that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, was linked to the decision regarding venues such as Gillette Stadium, where upcoming concerts are scheduled. Kraft’s organization cited Macklemore’s recent statements and broader history of remarks deemed offensive to the Jewish community.
Ed Sheeran’s tour is scheduled to resume in Philadelphia, followed by stops at Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.