Supporting acts withdraw from Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore removal
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas have left Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed after pro-Palestinian remarks onstage.
Four supporting acts have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour after Macklemore was removed from the line-up following pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas announced their decisions on Instagram. Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore on remaining US dates, while Beoga had been performing with Sheeran and Finneas was scheduled for South American shows.
Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking up for oppressed people, while Beoga referred to its involvement in the Irish Artists for Palestine movement. Rowe and Lukas Graham also cited concerns about power, money and who is allowed to speak about suffering.
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoters, not by him. He said he had spoken with venues in an effort to reach an agreement, but that the venues’ and promoter’s decision was final.
Macklemore said he was removed after saying “Free Palestine!” while introducing his song “Hind’s Hall” at a New Jersey performance. Venue owner Robert Kraft said the decision followed Macklemore’s recent comments and what Kraft described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran’s remaining stadium dates were scheduled to resume in Philadelphia on Saturday, with further performances planned at venues including Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium. The withdrawals have disrupted the tour’s support line-up, but the source does not report a cancellation.
