Kyle Sandilands Criticizes Macklemore and Finneas Over Tour Departures

Australian radio personality Kyle Sandilands has spoken out against rapper Macklemore and singer Finneas, who departed from Ed Sheeran's tour due to pro-Palestinian statements.

Macklemore, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, was removed as an opening act for the US leg of Sheeran's "Mathematics Tour" after voicing support for Palestine on stage. Sandilands, broadcasting on his radio show, criticized Macklemore and Finneas, referring to them as "soft c**k lefties."

"We are paying to come and watch you perform music," Sandilands stated. "Music is for everyone and no one in that crowd should be made to feel unwanted by anyone that we're paying to come and watch."

Sandilands suggested that Macklemore, who he deemed not prominent enough to headline his own tour, should refrain from using other artists' platforms to express political views. "Don't piggyback on someone else's career to push your own political nonsense. No one cares about that," he said.

Macklemore himself shared that Ed Sheeran informed him that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, had warned that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform in his venue. Kraft, through his company the Kraft Group, reportedly rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the tour, Sheeran would be barred from performing in their venues.

Ed Sheeran later addressed the situation on Instagram, clarifying that the decision to remove Macklemore was not his own but originated from the promoter. He expressed a desire not to disappoint fans or abandon the touring crew and fellow musicians who depend on the tour for income.

Sheeran indicated he holds personal views on the conflict but has chosen not to speak publicly, emphasizing that his concerts are intended as a safe space for everyone. He voiced concern over venues dictating performance content, stating this should not occur in a free society.

Finneas, who is Billie Eilish's brother, withdrew from his scheduled appearances in solidarity with Macklemore, asserting that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed."

Other tour openers, including Aaron Rowe and the band Lukas Graham, as well as Sheeran's backing band Beoga, also withdrew from the tour. Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters had previously criticized Sheeran on social media for not opposing Macklemore's removal.

Sheeran acknowledged making difficult decisions and mistakes during his Philadelphia concert, apologizing to fans and reiterating his commitment to them and the tour.