All four remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have withdrawn after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup following pro-Palestinian remarks during his performances in New Jersey. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish folk band Beoga announced their departures on Tuesday, with several citing concerns over artists being silenced.
Macklemore was dropped from the remaining US dates after venues objected to his onstage comments, according to tour promoter Messina Touring Group. He had performed his song Hind’s Hall and called for a “Free Palestine” during shows at MetLife Stadium.
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Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter and venues, not by him. He said he had attempted to resolve the dispute while maintaining that he did not want his concerts to become political forums.
The withdrawals have disrupted the remaining tour lineup, with Sheeran next scheduled to perform in Philadelphia on September 19. The episode has also intensified debate over artistic expression and political speech at live performances.
