Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Irish Radio Station Pulls Ed Sheeran Songs Amid Palestine Row
An Irish radio station says it will stop playing Ed Sheeran’s songs for now.
The station says listeners complained after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour.
Macklemore had spoken about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank during his performances.
He also called for a free Palestine.
Macklemore said Robert Kraft told Sheeran that he could not perform at Gillette Stadium.
Sheeran said the tour promoter, not he, made the decision.
Other musicians also left the remaining tour dates.
The radio station said its decision was carefully considered and was not meant to judge Sheeran personally.
Classic Hits Radio said it would stop playing Ed Sheeran’s music for the foreseeable future.
The decision followed listener feedback about Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Macklemore spoke in support of a free Palestine during performances about Gaza and the West Bank.
Macklemore said Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran over his appearance, while Sheeran blamed the tour promoter.
Several support acts, including Aaron Rowe and Beoga, withdrew from the remaining tour dates.
- Who
- Classic Hits Radio, Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, the tour promoter, Robert Kraft, and several support acts.
- What
- Classic Hits Radio reportedly removed Sheeran’s songs after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour amid a Palestine-related controversy.
- When
- The decision followed events earlier this month at a show at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium; the station said the music would be absent for the foreseeable future.
- Where
- The dispute involved Sheeran’s Loop Tour, a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and planned dates including Gillette Stadium.
- Why
- The station cited listener feedback about Macklemore’s removal from the tour and said the decision was not a personal judgment on Sheeran.
Macklemore’s Account
Sheeran’s Account
Who decided Macklemore’s removal?
Macklemore’s Account
Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, told Sheeran that Macklemore could not perform at the venue.
Sheeran’s Account
Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter and was not his own.
Public position on the conflict
Macklemore’s Account
Macklemore spoke publicly about Gaza and the West Bank, called for a free Palestine, and said people there had not been forgotten.
Sheeran’s Account
Sheeran said he had personal views on the conflict but would not discuss them publicly.
Radio station’s response
Macklemore’s Account
The station’s action followed listener feedback connected to Macklemore’s removal and the resulting controversy.
Sheeran’s Account
Bay Broadcasting said removing Sheeran’s music was carefully considered and was not intended as a personal judgment on him.
- Radio station
- Classic Hits Radio, operated by Bay Broadcasting
- Station decision
- Sheeran’s music will not be played for the foreseeable future
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
- Macklemore’s remarks
- He called for a free Palestine and discussed Gaza and the West Bank
- Disputed explanation
- Macklemore attributed his removal to Robert Kraft, while Sheeran said the tour promoter made the decision
- Other departures
- Aaron Rowe and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga withdrew from remaining dates