Ed Sheeran's Tour Faces Cancellations as All Opening Acts Withdraw

Ed Sheeran's stadium tour is at risk of widespread cancellation as all four remaining opening acts have withdrawn from their scheduled dates. The cascade of departures follows rapper Macklemore's removal from the tour after he delivered a "Free Palestine" speech during his opening sets.

Finneas, the Grammy-winning musician and collaborator with his sister Billie Eilish, led the group of artists announcing their withdrawal. In a statement, Finneas declared, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."

Following Finneas's announcement, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish group Lukas Graham, and Irish band Beoga also released separate statements confirming their exit from the tour. Rowe stated, "As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation." He added that he "cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up."

Lukas Graham expressed their belief that "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." They concluded, "This is a difficult decision but it’s one I need to stand by."

Beoga, who have collaborated with Sheeran on his song "Galway Girl," stated, "Playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us."

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, alleged in a statement that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, orchestrated his removal from the tour. Macklemore claimed that Kraft rallied other stadium owners and presented Sheeran with an ultimatum: remove Macklemore or lose access to their venues.

Sheeran addressed the controversy, stating that Macklemore's performance had "upset the owners of venues" and that he had been informed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at certain stadiums. The singer emphasized that he personally avoids taking public political stances, explaining, "my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum."

Sheeran stated that Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his own, and that he attempted to find a resolution but was unsuccessful. He also noted that he would not abandon the tour, his crew, or the other support acts, as many rely on the shows for their livelihood.

Macklemore's "Free Palestine" speech, which included performing his song "Hind's Hall" with visuals of Gaza, drew both support and criticism. Proceeds from "Hind's Hall" benefit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Macklemore stated that his activism was a "duty" and that refusing to take a side between the oppressor and the oppressed is not a neutral position.

Kraft defended his decision, stating that Gillette Stadium has a commitment to providing a welcoming environment and that Macklemore's actions "crossed a line." He cited a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" that he believed was offensive to the Jewish community.

The promoter for the American leg of Sheeran's tour, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues stated they would "not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup," which they warned would lead to the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.

Singer Pink reposted a social media critique of Macklemore's performance, which labeled his speech as "anti-Israel propaganda" and demanded apologies and refunds for concertgoers. Macklemore has previously apologized for a 2014 incident where he wore a disguise that was widely condemned as an anti-Semitic caricature.