Ed Sheeran's massive Loop Tour has been thrown into chaos after every remaining opening act-and the Irish group performing as part of his touring show-announced their withdrawal in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
FINNEAS, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe have each pulled out of their scheduled appearances. Beoga, the Irish folk band that had been joining Sheeran during his performances, has also walked away.
The stunning mass departure follows Macklemore's removal from the remaining U.S. dates after he shouted "Free Palestine" and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" during Sheeran's September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Macklemore claimed several venues objected to his continued involvement, with Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft allegedly playing a prominent role in the push to remove him. Kraft subsequently said the decision followed Macklemore's recent statements and what he described as the rapper's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery."
Macklemore has rejected attempts to equate his criticism of Israel with hatred toward Jewish people. He acknowledged that antisemitism is real but argued that the term should not be used to silence criticism of the Israeli government.
Sheeran has now found himself caught in the middle of a rapidly escalating public fight. The "Shape of You" singer insisted that removing Macklemore was not his decision and said the rapper's agreement was with promoter Messina Touring Group.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision; it was not mine," Sheeran wrote. He claimed that some venues had threatened to cancel entire concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Sheeran said he spent the week speaking with venues and attempting to "build a bridge," but was ultimately informed that the decision was final. He also defended his decision to continue the tour, saying he would not abandon fans, crew members and musicians who rely upon the concerts for employment.
That explanation, however, did not stop the remaining performers from leaving.
FINNEAS, the Grammy- and Academy Award-winning musician best known for his work with his sister Billie Eilish, announced that he would no longer join Sheeran for the tour's South American dates.
"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," FINNEAS declared. "I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."
Irish singer Aaron Rowe acknowledged that Sheeran was his friend and had transformed his career. Nevertheless, he said he could not continue with the tour while powerful venue owners were allegedly silencing artists who spoke about Palestinian suffering.
"As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," Rowe wrote. He concluded his announcement with the declaration, "Free Palestine."
Lukas Graham described its withdrawal as a "difficult decision" while challenging the ability of wealthy individuals to control public discussion.
"Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation," the group said. "Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge."
Beoga also withdrew, citing its members' Irish identity and involvement with Irish Artists for Palestine. Although some reports have called Beoga Sheeran's "backing band," the group was more precisely a featured touring collaborator that joined him for several songs during his concerts.
The band said playing in venues that silenced someone advocating for a free Palestine was no longer an option.
The departures have left Sheeran facing mounting pressure just as the North American leg is scheduled to continue. Macklemore had originally been booked for eight of the tour's remaining 10 stadium concerts, while Rowe and Lukas Graham were reportedly expected to help fill the newly vacant support slots. FINNEAS was scheduled for later South American appearances.
Sheeran has maintained that he wants his concerts to unite people rather than become political forums. He said he has personal views about the conflict but chooses not to use his professional platform to promote them.
"I am not complicit," Sheeran wrote, adding that he respects Macklemore's determination to speak publicly but believes there can be "multiple approaches" to pursuing peace.
For the moment, however, the diplomatic approach has done little to contain the fallout. What began with Macklemore's removal has grown into an unprecedented artist revolt, leaving one of the world's biggest touring stars without any of his announced supporting acts.
