Ed Sheeran’s tour is facing mounting difficulties after his remaining opening acts and a band that performs alongside him quit in solidarity with Macklemore.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Irish folk group Beoga announced their departures Tuesday. Their decisions came shortly after Sheeran defended himself against accusations that he was responsible for removing Macklemore from the Loop Tour.
Beoga’s departure could prove especially disruptive. Although billed as a supporting act, the group has also accompanied Sheeran during portions of his concerts since the tour began in January.
According to the Associated Press, all four announcements arrived within approximately one hour of each other.
Artists Abandon Ed Sheeran’s Tour
Macklemore was dropped after using his opening performances at MetLife Stadium to promote his pro-Palestinian activism. He declared “Free Palestine,” performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” wore a keffiyeh, and displayed footage connected to Gaza.
Sheeran maintained that removing the rapper was not his decision.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram. “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.”
That defense apparently failed to satisfy the remaining performers.
Finneas O’Connell and Billy Eilish at the Grammys – CBS
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“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” wrote Finneas, the brother and frequent collaborator of singer and activist Billie Eilish, while announcing his departure.
Beoga cited Ireland’s history and its members’ involvement with Irish Artists for Palestine. Rowe similarly declared that he could not stand by while billionaires used their influence to silence political speech.
Lukas Graham appeared to direct the same criticism toward New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation,” the band wrote. “Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
Robert Kraft’s Role in the Controversy
As That Park Place previously reported, Macklemore claimed Kraft pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour.
The Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is scheduled to perform later this month. Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform there, citing the rapper’s recent comments and “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”
Macklemore in an interview – YouTube, The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
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However, Macklemore went considerably further, alleging that Kraft encouraged other stadium owners to threaten Sheeran with canceled concerts. That broader claim has not been independently confirmed.
While everyone involved has a right to their political beliefs, Macklemore’s allegation raises larger questions about where business interests, entertainment, and political activism intersect.
Sheeran Attempts to Remain Apolitical
Sheeran said he deliberately avoids turning his concerts into political forums because his audience includes children and people from many different backgrounds.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics,” he wrote. “Those who come to my show do not expect a political forum.”
Ed Sheeran – The Graham Norton Show, YouTube
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That effort to remain neutral has now placed Sheeran in an increasingly difficult position. By attempting to appeal to a broad audience simply looking to enjoy a night of music, he has become a target of those who expect entertainers to take public positions on political and social controversies.
Macklemore’s activism pulled Sheeran into a dispute he clearly wanted to avoid. The resulting backlash has now cost him every remaining supporting act—including musicians who were part of his own performance.
How do you feel about the artists leaving Ed Sheeran’s tour? Sound off and let us know!
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