Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has suddenly gotten a lot more complicated.
Macklemore was recently removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance in New Jersey, including calling for a free Palestine. Several U.S. venues reportedly objected to his participation, with Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft saying the decision was also connected to what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore has denied being antisemitic.
Sheeran has said Macklemore’s removal was not his decision, explaining that it was made by the tour promoter and venues. Sheeran said he tried to find a solution but ultimately wanted his concerts to remain spaces that bring people together rather than political forums.
Now, things have escalated.
All of the remaining supporting acts have withdrawn from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. That includes FINNEAS, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, along with Sheeran’s touring band, Beoga.
The artists have cited concerns about free expression and the ability of musicians to speak about issues they believe are important.
For now, Sheeran’s tour is still scheduled to continue, but losing the entire opening lineup and his touring band has certainly created a pretty unusual situation.
What started as one artist being removed from a tour has now turned into a much bigger conversation about music, politics, free expression and who gets to decide what can be said on a concert stage.
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