Support Acts and Band Exit Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour After Macklemore Removal
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has been thrown into uncertainty after several opening acts and his backing band announced their withdrawal following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour lineup.
The controversy began after Macklemore was dropped from the tour amid objections from certain venue operators. One of the most prominent voices was Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, who said Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at the venue. Reports later indicated that multiple venues had raised concerns about his inclusion in the tour.
Macklemore, known for his outspoken support of the Palestinian cause, recently made headlines after expressing support for Palestine during a performance and performing his song Hind’s Hall, which references pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.
In response to the backlash, Ed Sheeran released a public statement clarifying that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and not by him personally.
“I am not complicit,” Sheeran wrote, adding that he had not been responsible for the decision and had been involved in discussions aimed at finding a resolution.
Shortly after Sheeran’s statement, several artists announced they would no longer participate in the tour. Irish folk group Beoga, which serves as Sheeran’s backing band, said it was leaving the tour because of disagreements surrounding Macklemore’s removal.
Other supporting acts, including Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Lukas Graham, also confirmed their withdrawal from the remaining tour dates.
The situation has sparked debate among fans, artists, and advocacy groups. Some organizations supported the decision to remove Macklemore, while others criticized it as a restriction on political expression.
Sheeran, meanwhile, emphasized that he opposes violence and supports peace, stating that his concerts are intended to bring people together through music rather than serve as political platforms.
With multiple performers and band members stepping away, uncertainty remains over how the remaining dates of the Loop Tour will proceed and whether replacement acts will be announced.
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