Ed Sheeran’s Tour Loses All Supporting Acts In Macklemore Aftermath

Finneas joined Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga in abandoning Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour Tuesday after Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian statements led to his removal from the stadium trek.

The rapidly growing exodus left Sheeran without his announced supporting acts for upcoming dates and transformed Macklemore’s dismissal into a wider dispute involving artists, promoters and powerful stadium operators.

Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and longtime musical collaborator, announced he would no longer join Sheeran for six scheduled South American dates in November.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on social media. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Lukas Graham also pulled out Tuesday. The Danish group had been scheduled to perform on Sheeran’s remaining North American dates.

“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them,” lead singer Lukas Forchhammer wrote.

“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”

Rowe’s withdrawal came with an equally forceful explanation.

“I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop’ North American Tour,” Rowe wrote. “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.

“But as Irish people,” he continued, “we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”

Rowe ended his statement with “Free Palestine.”

Irish band Beoga also withdrew while emphasizing that its relationship with Sheeran remains intact.

“We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be,” the band said. “We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people… We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”

The wave of departures followed Macklemore’s removal from the Loop tour after his Sept. 4 and 5 appearances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the shows, the Seattle rapper expressed support for Palestinians and said “Free Palestine.”

Macklemore subsequently alleged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped organize opposition among stadium owners to his continued participation.

Kraft defended the decision, citing what he described as Macklemore’s “recent actions” and “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

Sheeran said Tuesday that removing Macklemore was not his decision. He said promoters and venues made the final call after some stadium operators indicated they would not host upcoming concerts if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

Sheeran said he had attempted to mediate the dispute while maintaining that he generally keeps political issues away from his professional platform.

But the artists around him have made different choices.