Ed Sheeran’s three remaining opening acts, FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, have withdrawn from his “LOOP” US tour following Macklemore’s removal from the lineup after his pro-Palestine comments. Sheeran’s backing band, Beoga, has also announced its departure from the tour.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” FINNEAS wrote in a statement announcing his departure from the tour. “I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Graham said in a social media post, “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”
He added, “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
Statements from the Artists
“I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates,” Graham continued. “I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
“I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The LOOP’ North American Tour,” Rowe wrote in a statement announcing his departure from the tour. “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed Sheeran has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children,” Rowe added. “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”
Beoga’s Departure
Sheeran’s band, Beoga, expressed a similar sentiment to Rowe, citing their Irish heritage as the impetus for their departure. “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed Sheeran for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people,” they said. “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”
After expressing his support for a free Palestine while opening for Ed Sheeran during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Macklemore was removed as a support act for the remainder of the tour. Patriots owner Robert Kraft later confirmed that he led a campaign to have Macklemore removed from the tour’s lineup, saying he threatened to block Ed Sheeran’s concert at Gillette Stadium and encouraged other stadium owners to take similar action.
In his own statement released Tuesday, Ed Sheeran said he made efforts to find a resolution that would allow Macklemore to remain on the tour, but ultimately was unsuccessful. He also addressed his decision to keep his views on Palestine private, saying, “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”
The situation surrounding Ed Sheeran’s tour has sparked a heated debate about free speech, artistic expression, and the role of politics in the music industry. As the tour continues without the original supporting acts, Ed Sheeran and his team will likely face continued scrutiny and criticism from fans and activists alike. The LOOP tour, which was initially met with excitement and anticipation, has now become a focal point for discussions about social justice, censorship, and the power of music to inspire and educate.
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