Ed Sheeran's tour in jeopardy after all opening acts quit in support of Macklemore
Ed Sheeran's tour faces significant disruption after multiple opening acts quit to protest the removal of Macklemore for his pro-Palestinian stage remarks. The departing artists emphasized their solidarity with the Palestinian cause and criticized the use of corporate power to suppress political expression.
Why it matters
This event underscores the increasing pressure on high-profile entertainers to take sides in geopolitical conflicts and the potential for tour cancellations due to political friction.
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran performs in New York, on September 13, 2025. ANDY KROPA / AP PHOTO/ANDY KROPA Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America was plunged into chaos Tuesday, September 15, when four of his supporting acts abruptly quit in solidarity with the rapper Macklemore, who was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.
Hours after Sheeran posted on social media about Macklemore's ouster and attributed the decision to the tour's promoters, Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga , the Danish band Lukas Graham , and Finneas posted on Instagram that they were leaving the tour.
Also covering this story
21 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore
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Ed Sheeran's support acts quit US tour after Macklemore dropped for pro-Palestinian comment
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Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after 'Free Palestine' speech
Macklemore cut from Ed Sheeran U.S. tour after onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks
Ed Sheeran tour: Finneas, Aaron Rowe withdraw after Macklemore removal
Macklemore says he was dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized boycott
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Robert Kraft Confirms He Barred Macklemore From Ed Sheeran Boston Shows - Rolling Stone
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Ed Sheeran responds to backlash over removing Macklemore from tour after ‘Free Palestine’ comments
Ed Sheeran issues statement as band, support acts quit tour after Macklemore axed over pro-Palestine comments
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine comments - The Washington Post
Ed Sheeran Opener Aaron Rowe Pulls Out of Tour After Macklemore Drop
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