Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Ed Sheeran’s backing band Beoga have left the singer’s US tour following the removal of Macklemore from the lineup after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during his opening performances.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, had been supporting Sheeran’s Loop Tour before performing his song “Hind’s Hall” and calling for a “Free Palestine” during two shows in New Jersey.
His comments drew criticism from Jewish groups and were followed by a dispute over whether he could continue performing at upcoming venues.
Sheeran subsequently said Macklemore’s removal was the decision of the tour promoter rather than his own.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.”
Hours later, the remaining support acts and Sheeran’s backing band announced they would also leave the tour.
Finneas leaves Ed Sheeran tour in support of Macklemore
Finneas was among the artists to announce his departure, saying artists should be able to speak about oppression.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham also confirmed they would no longer take part in the tour.
Beoga, the Irish folk band who perform alongside Sheeran on stage, also announced their departure.
Rowe referenced Ireland’s own history in explaining his decision.
“[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 the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
The departures mean the artists who remained on Sheeran’s US tour after Macklemore’s removal have now also withdrawn.
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was removed from the tour after his performances in New Jersey, where he called for a free Palestine, criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and performed “Hind’s Hall” alongside footage showing destruction in Gaza.
Macklemore later said the song and his political statements had become more controversial because of the scale of the venues and his association with one of the world’s biggest artists.
The rapper wrote:
“So why is it an issue now? Because now I’m sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, in some of the biggest stadiums in America. At a certain level of exposure, ‘Free Palestine’ becomes too much of a risk.”
Messina Touring Group, a subsidiary of AEG and the promoter involved with the tour, previously said that some venues had indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform.
Sheeran said he had spoken with venues, promoters and activists in an effort to find a resolution.
Ed Sheeran says Macklemore removal was promoter’s decision
Sheeran addressed the controversy in a lengthy statement, saying he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine but did not want to use his professional platform for political debate.
He also said he respected Macklemore’s right to express his views.
“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 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.”
Sheeran said Macklemore had originally been invited onto the tour because he respected him as an artist and that support acts were free to choose their own setlists.
He then described the discussions that followed Macklemore’s New Jersey performances.
“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. 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.”
Sheeran said he did not want to disappoint fans or abandon the musicians and crew members dependent on the tour for work.
“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.”
Sheeran explains his political position
Sheeran said he has personal views about the conflict but chooses not to express them through his professional platform.
“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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”
He explained that his concerts attract young people and audiences from different backgrounds.
“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.”
Sheeran added:
“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”
He concluded by saying he had spent the week attempting to find a solution.
“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
Macklemore’s removal prompts further fallout
Macklemore has continued to defend his decision to speak about Gaza during his concerts.
The rapper’s “Hind’s Hall” was written in response to the pro-Palestinian student protests at Columbia University and is named after Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl whose death became a focus of international attention.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has also called on Sheeran to cancel his tour, criticising his response to the controversy.
PACBI said Sheeran’s statement attempted to present opposing positions on the conflict without addressing what it described as the need for justice.
The dispute has now resulted in Macklemore’s removal and the subsequent departures of Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.
The future support lineup for the remaining Ed Sheeran US tour dates has not been announced.
