Irish radio station pulls Ed Sheeran songs from airwaves after Macklemore controversy
An Irish radio station has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist following the singer's decision to drop rapper Macklemore from his tour. The move follows similar actions by other artists who withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing intersection of entertainment, corporate responsibility, and geopolitical activism in the music industry.
The fallout from the Macklemore controversy continues for Ed Sheeran, with an Irish radio station now taking his whole catalogue off the airwaves.
Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio has announced it is removing Sheeran’s songs after feedback from listeners.
The announcement comes just hours before the Shape of You singer is due to go on stage in Philadelphia for the next concert of his Loop tour in the US.
In a statement, the radio’s programme director said the decision was not intended “as a personal judgment” on the singer.
“Our decision to remove Ed Sheeran’s music from the Classic Hits Radio playlist has been carefully considered,” Dave Kelly, group programme director at Bay Broadcasting, said in a statement.
“It is not intended as a personal judgment on Ed Sheeran, and we acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events.”
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