Four artists—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham—announced their departure from Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' following the rapper Macklemore's removal from the program due to his statements in support of Palestine.
These performers reported on Tuesday that they are leaving the British star Ed Sheeran's tour because Macklemore was dropped from the performance after making pro-Palestinian remarks during his concert.
Ed Sheeran denies involvement in the decision to exclude Macklemore, stating that the responsibility lies with his tour promoter. However, Finneas, who is also known for his work with Billie Eilish's sister, as well as the Irish groups Aaron Rowe and Beoga, and the Danish group Lukas Graham, all published messages about their exit from Sheeran's 'Loop Tour.'
Earlier this month, while performing for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore loudly declared 'Free Palestine!' and addressed Palestinians, saying they were 'not forgotten.'
In a long Instagram post, Sheeran wrote that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him, adding that the rapper's contract was terminated by Messina Touring Group. According to Sheeran, the venues 'reported that they would cancel the show if he continued to perform.'
The artist noted that he had held extensive discussions with venue managers, including Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Boston, and the NFL Patriots team, but could not resolve the issue.
Finneas had previously publicly supported Palestinians. On Tuesday, he wrote that 'artists should not be silent when speaking up for the oppressed' and added, 'I support Palestine and its people.'
Sheeran's tour group Beoga stated that they are leaving 'after Macklemore's silencing by Zionist lobbies.' The group noted that they are a traditional Irish band that has never seen itself playing on stadiums of such scale, and that this opportunity is not being missed. They also emphasized that they have been friends with Sheeran for ten years and will maintain this friendship. Furthermore, Beoga stated on Instagram: 'we are the Irish people who understand colonialism' and, as founders of the movement Irish Artists for Palestine, declared their commitment to the fight for justice.
Irish artist Rowe similarly referenced his country's history, explaining the reason for his departure. He wrote that, like the Irish people, they are well aware of genocide, forced starvation, and armed occupation. Rowe also mentioned that Sheeran is a friend who 'changed my life,' but he cannot remain silent, allowing billionaires to use their position to suppress the legitimate voices opposing the Israeli genocide.
In his Tuesday post, Sheeran touched upon his refusal to make public political comments, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. He stated, 'I am not complicit. I have a personal opinion on this devastating conflict. My choice not to speak publicly does not mean I don't care.' He continued, 'Those who come to my concerts do not expect a political platform. I respect Macklemore's convictions.'
On Monday, Macklemore posted a message claiming that Sheeran and his team were not behind his tour departure. He reported that Kraft contacted Sheeran to inform him that the rapper would not be allowed on stage, accusing Kraft of mobilizing other venues to demand his exclusion. In his statement, Kraft said that Gillette Stadium 'would not provide a platform for hate speech.'
Macklemore, known for hits such as 'Thrift Shop' and 'Can't Hold Us,' has long openly supported Palestinians. In 2024, he released the song 'Hind's Hall' dedicated to Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl whose death sparked an international outcry.