Ed Sheeran is left without opening acts in the USA after expelling Macklemore for his pro-Palestinian comments

BarcelonaEd Sheeran's (Halifax, 35) North American tour, the Loop Tour, has lost a large part of its members in a very short time. The decision by the promoter Messina Touring Group to remove rapper Macklemore (Seattle, 43) from the lineup – following his statements in favor of a "free Palestine" during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – has triggered a chain reaction: the three remaining opening acts (FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe) and Sheeran's own backing band, the traditional Irish group Beoga, have collectively resigned from continuing on the tour.

The conflict erupted when Macklemore published a statement on his Instagram profile – with 7.3 million followers – to give his version of the events: "I will speak from the heart and share the truth. Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from the Loop Tour." Despite his departure, the rapper wanted to make clear who the real victims of the conflict were: "Before I go deeper, I want to say something that should be obvious. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, security, and audiences all over the world. Whatever the consequences any of us face for what we say, we can go home to our families. The victims are the Palestinian people: the men, the women, and the children who have been killed, subjected to famine, displaced, and forced to live through unimaginable violence. People are still being killed today, and people will continue to be killed tomorrow. I want to make sure that, in telling this story, we do not lose sight of that."

Sheeran's response

Macklemore asserted that behind his expulsion is the pressure from the owners of major American stadiums, such as Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots. Sheeran used his Instagram profile—with 47.5 million followers—to publish an extensive statement accompanied by various images: "I am horrified by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides constitute a human tragedy. There are too many wars around the world that cause immeasurable pain, and no war should be tolerated," he writes. The British singer-songwriter adds that, after Macklemore's performance in New Jersey, where he shouted "Free Palestine" and projected videos of the destruction of Gaza on the stadium screens, the stadiums for the upcoming dates of the North American leg of his Tour informed him that they would cancel the concerts if he continued to be his opening act.

"I was informed that this stance was based on the way in which Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke at length with the stadium officials throughout the week to try to build bridges. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I also participated in direct conversations with the promoters, along with activists from both sides, to try to find a solution for everyone, but the decision of the venues and the promoters was final," details Sheeran.

Sheeran remarked that the expulsion "was the promoter's decision" and not his: "I would never let down fans who have already made plans, nor would I abandon the tour team or the other opening artists and musicians who depend on me to work and earn a living. I have always used my platform and my music to unite people of all backgrounds and cultures, and that will never change." Regarding his decision not to take an open stance, he says: "I respect Macklemore's firmness in raising his voice and defending his convictions. However, there is room for different approaches with the same goal: peace. I choose to use my fame and my platform to offer a safe space and refuge, to maintain diplomacy and foster dialogue instead of closing it off. If we limit ourselves to trying to shout louder than others, nothing will ever change. There are various ways to advocate for change."

The reasons for leaving the tour

These explanations have not been able to stop the chain departure of the rest of the tour's artists, who have made their own statements public. Thus, Lukas Graham has explained that one should be able to talk about the war: "We should be able to talk about the war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them. No bank account should decide who can speak or what suffering we are allowed to recognize. I have great affection for Ed and I am grateful for everything we have shared. That has not changed," he asserts.

Aaron Rowe has also reiterated that he respects Sheeran, but that he does not want to continue the tour: "I do not take this decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for all of that. But as Irish people, we know very well about genocide, famine, and violent occupation. I cannot stand idly by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the legitimate voices of those who speak out against the Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all self-respect if I continued as if nothing happened. I need to be true to myself and to my ancestors who resisted colonization and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland."

The band Beoga has highlighted that they are losing a unique opportunity, but that they are also committed to justice: "We are a traditional Irish band that had never been able to play in stadiums of this size and we are very aware of the opportunity we are losing. We have been friends with Ed for more than ten years and we will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means to advance the cause of the Palestinian people. We are Irish and we know what colonialism is. As founding members of the Artists For Palestine movement in Ireland, we are activists committed to justice and we will continue to be."