Ed Sheeran Adds New Openers Following Macklemore Controversy
Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser join the Loop Tour after previous acts departed in solidarity with Macklemore.
Ed Sheeran has enlisted Isaac Slade, former lead singer of The Fray, and "American Idol" contestant Brooks Rosser as new opening acts for his Loop Tour.
Slade confirmed via Instagram that he would perform as an opener for the remainder of Sheeran's U.S. shows. Rosser, who was a contestant on "American Idol" Season 24, also announced his involvement on Instagram, expressing excitement about opening for Sheeran at the Indianapolis show and subsequent dates.
This development follows the departure of Sheeran's original opening acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga—who quit the tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. Macklemore had been removed from the tour after performing his song "Hind's Hall" and shouting "Free Palestine" at two shows.
According to reports, Macklemore and Sheeran had a disagreement regarding the rapper's removal, with Macklemore stating that Sheeran was given an ultimatum by venue owners and NFL owner Robert Kraft to remove him. Sheeran later addressed the situation during a concert in Philadelphia, apologizing for how it unfolded and acknowledging that he had "made mistakes."
Following the controversy, Sheeran reportedly implemented heightened security measures at his concerts due to concerns about potential disruptions.
The U.S. leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour is scheduled to conclude on November 7 in Tampa, Florida. Macklemore has announced his own "Free Palestine Tour."