Ed Sheeran Adds New Opening Acts Amid Controversy Over Macklemore's Gaza Remarks
Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser will join Sheeran for remaining US tour dates after other artists withdrew due to Macklemore's pro-Palestine statements.
Ed Sheeran has enlisted Isaac Slade, former lead singer of The Fray, and American Idol contestant Brooks Rosser as opening acts for the remaining dates on his Loop Tour. This comes after all of Sheeran's previously scheduled supporting artists withdrew from the tour following rapper Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks during two New Jersey shows.
Slade confirmed on Instagram that he will perform at upcoming concerts in Indianapolis (October 10), Charlotte (October 17), Arlington (October 24), and Tampa (November 7). Rosser is set to join Sheeran for the Indianapolis show.
Sheeran's tour dates in Hollywood, Florida (October 29 and 30) will proceed without opening acts, as these are casino performances.
Slade has previously made guest appearances at Sheeran's shows, including a duet of The Fray's hit "How to Save a Life" in Toronto in late August. During a recent performance in Atlanta, Slade spoke to the audience about finding common ground amidst global conflict, stating, "What's happening over there is wrong but if we're going to get through it, we're going to need people to step into that middle place, that common ground."
The controversy began when Macklemore delivered a "Free Palestine" speech and performed his song "Hind's Hall" during two shows on Sheeran's tour. Following these events, other artists, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and the backing band Beoga, reportedly left the tour in solidarity.
Stadium owner Robert Kraft allegedly threatened to cancel Sheeran's shows at Gillette Stadium if Macklemore remained an opener. The Gillette Stadium shows were later canceled due to weather.
Sheeran addressed the situation in Philadelphia on September 19, apologizing for the drama and stating he was "deeply worried about freedom of speech being encumbered." He expressed his commitment to creating a "safe space for everybody" and honored his commitment to his fans by continuing the tour as a solo performer.
Macklemore, in response to being removed from the tour, announced a sold-out "Free Palestine" tour with other artists who have used their platforms to express solidarity with Palestine. This tour includes stops in Dublin, Paris, and London.
Sheeran's Loop Tour is scheduled to conclude in Tampa, Florida, in early November, followed by legs in Latin America and a final show in Mexico City on December 11.