Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Openers After Macklemore Exit

The Ed Sheeran tour has been thrown into turmoil after a wave of artist departures left the singer’s Loop Tour without any of its original opening acts.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments — including a “Free Palestine” shout — during a Sept. 4 concert in New Jersey. The decision came from the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, after venue owners on upcoming dates warned they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill.

“Not My Decision,” Sheeran Says

Sheeran addressed the controversy on Instagram, saying the call to drop Macklemore came from the promoter rather than from him. He said he respected Macklemore’s conviction to speak up for what he believes, while adding that his own approach is not to use his professional platform for politics.

Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, was among those who pressed for Macklemore’s removal, according to multiple reports.

Openers Walk Out in Solidarity

The exit triggered a solidarity exodus. Opening acts Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe all announced they were quitting the tour, voicing support for Macklemore and the Palestinian cause. Beoga, the Irish band serving as Sheeran’s backing band, also decided to leave.

Sheeran has since brought in replacement openers, adding Isaac Slade, the former lead singer of The Fray, and former American Idol contestant Brooks Rosser to fill the vacated slots.

Source: Page Six