Irish Musicians Quit Ed Sheeran Tour Over Macklemore Gaza Row

The MetLife Stadium Incident and Macklemore’s Ouster

Ed Sheeran Responds to Promoter and Venue Decisions

Ed Sheeran stated on Tuesday that his departure from the tour was the promoter’s decision rather than his own choice, explaining that upcoming tour venues communicated they would pull the shows if Macklemore continued to perform, with New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft among them, according to published accounts. In his social media statement, Sheeran wrote, Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine, and added, 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 further noted, 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.

Supporting Acts Exit in Solidarity

Aaron Rowe, who was serving as one of Macklemore’s replacements on U.S. dates, stated that he did not take the decision lightly, noting that Sheeran had been a friend and changed his life. Rowe wrote, 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 who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. Traditional Irish band Beoga, who were performing as Sheeran’s touring band, stated on Instagram, We have made the decision to depart as Ed Sheeran’s band on the remaining US Loop tour, following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies. Beoga added, As musicians, playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us. Finneas, scheduled to tour with Sheeran in South America, posted, Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. Lukas Graham also announced their exit, stating, Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.