Ed Sheeran tour rocked by walkouts; supporting acts quit after Macklemore exit

In a dramatic turn on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, three supporting acts announced their withdrawal after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup over pro‑Palestinian remarks made during a New Jersey performance. The departures came just hours after Sheeran posted a statement clarifying that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoters, not by the singer himself.

Aaron Rowe, who had stepped in as Macklemore’s replacement for the U.S. dates, joined band Beoga and Finneas in posting on Instagram that they would leave the tour. Rowe was one of the artists scheduled to open for Sheeran in the United States, Beoga had been performing as part of Sheeran’s touring band, and Finneas was slated to join the South American leg later in the year.

Sheeran’s message, shared on Instagram on Tuesday, emphasized his refusal to be drawn into a public debate about the Gaza conflict. He wrote, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. 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.”

The removal of Macklemore followed the rapper’s on‑stage exclamation of “Free Palestine!” during his September 5 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he introduced the protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Macklemore later explained on Instagram that several U.S. venues, citing concerns from the NFL’s New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his Kraft Group, had requested the promoter cancel his performance due to what they described as “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”

Sheeran said he had spoken with venues all week in an attempt to find a compromise, but ultimately the venue and promoter’s decision was final. The tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, has not yet responded to inquiries, and Macklemore’s publicist remains silent.

With Macklemore’s exit, the Loop Tour’s schedule has been reshuffled. Lukas Graham, a Danish band, and Aaron Rowe are now slated to appear on the bill for the remaining U.S. shows, while the tour will resume Saturday in Philadelphia. The controversy has sparked broader debate over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with some organizations alleging genocide—a claim Israel strongly rejects.