All Of Ed Sheeran’s Remaining Tour Openers — Including His Own Band — Have Withdrawn From Performing At His Upcoming Shows Following The “Silencing” Of Macklemore

Earlier this week, Macklemore released a 12-page statement announcing that he’d been dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s The Loop tour following his “Free Palestine” speech.

In a two-minute speech at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4, Macklemore — real name Benjamin Haggerty — told the audience, “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”

The longtime pro-Palestine activist went on to perform his song “Hind’s Hall,” which condemns Israel's military operations in Gaza.

For reference, in September 2025, a two-year United Nations investigation concluded that Israel has “flagrantly disregarded” international law and “orchestrated a genocidal campaign” in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations of genocide.

After his remarks were criticized by some Jewish groups, Macklemore said on stage the following night, “Jewish brothers and sisters…Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you,” adding that he wanted people in Gaza and “the occupied West Bank” to know that we haven’t “forgotten about them.”

Macklemore’s comments prompted the owners of some of the upcoming tour venues to object to his appearance at Ed’s remaining US shows. American businessman Robert Kraft, who owns the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts and is a prominent donor to Israel, later said in a statement that he banned Macklemore because the venue would not “provide a platform for hate speech.” “Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line,” he added.

Macklemore referenced Kraft in his statement on Sept. 14, claiming that Ed told him he’d been personally contacted by the businessman and given an ultimatum over keeping the rapper on the tour.

“He told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with,” Macklemore continued of Ed. “I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn’t get past his public facing, ‘I don’t take sides.’"

You can read the full statement here:

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” he began. “The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.”

“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” he wrote. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter’s decision was final.”

Ed went on to insist that Macklemore being dropped from the tour was not his decision, before explaining why he avoids using his “professional platform for politics.”

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care,” he said. “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics - my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”

“I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace,” he added.

Amid the scrutiny, all of the remaining opening acts for Ed’s tour have since withdrawn from his upcoming shows in solidarity with Macklemore and the people of Palestine.

Finneas O’Connell, who was due to open for Ed at six South American shows in November, wrote on Instagram, “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.”

Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who was scheduled for the 10 remaining dates in North America, said, “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop’ North American Tour. I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”

“But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal,” he wrote.

“I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland,” he added.

Meanwhile, Danish band Lukas Graham dropped out supporting Ed at his upcoming North American shows. Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer wrote in part on Instagram, “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.”

“I grew up in Christiania, a small community in Denmark where speaking your mind was part of everyday life. Having more money didn’t make your opinion worth more than anyone else’s,” he continued. “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”

“I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates,” he added. “I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”

What’s more, Ed’s backing band, Beoga, announced that they’d also withdrawn from the upcoming tour dates following the “silencing of Macklemore.” “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people,” they said in an online statement.

Noting that in playing venues that “silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option” for them, Beoga added, “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be. This whole episode is once again serving to distract from the real issue, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the most recent so-called ceasefire.”

We’ll be sure to keep you posted as more unfolds.