Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Tour Exposes Power Struggle Among Artists, Promoters, Venues
Ed Sheeran is performing on a large concert tour called the Loop Tour.
Macklemore was supposed to be one of the opening acts.
He was removed after making comments supporting Palestinians at a concert in New Jersey.
Four other opening acts quit because they disagreed with that decision.
Sheeran said the promoter and venue made the final choice, not him.
The promoter said venues would not let Macklemore perform.
Experts say promoters usually organize and pay for tours, but very famous singers often have a lot of control.
Stadium owners can also stop a performance at their venue.
If the tour were canceled, insurance companies might help pay refunds and other costs.
Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments.
Sheeran said the promoter made the decision and that he lacked the power to reverse it.
The promoter said venues would not allow Macklemore to perform, while Robert Kraft cited comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Music industry experts say promoters finance tours and manage venues, but superstar headliners usually approve major decisions.
Venue owners are typically hands-off but can block performances, while cancellations could involve refunds, insurance claims and damaged business relationships.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, the tour promoter, venue owners and four supporting acts are involved.
- What
- Four opening acts quit the Loop Tour after Macklemore was dropped from the lineup.
- When
- During Ed Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour; no specific date is given.
- Where
- The dispute followed Macklemore’s performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium and affects the tour’s remaining venues.
- Why
- The promoter said venues would not allow Macklemore to perform; Robert Kraft cited Macklemore’s recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Artist and promoter authority
Venue authority and restrictions
Who made the decision?
Artist and promoter authority
Ed Sheeran said the promoter made the final decision and that he could not reverse it. The promoter said it had no choice because venues would not allow Macklemore to perform.
Venue authority and restrictions
Robert Kraft said the decision was connected to Macklemore’s comments and broader history, indicating that venue owners could influence or determine who performs.
How much control does the headliner have?
Artist and promoter authority
Industry experts said superstar headliners generally approve major tour decisions because they attract audiences and fill arenas or stadiums.
Venue authority and restrictions
Promoters finance tours, pay performers, sell tickets and deal with venues, giving them formal business authority over the bill.
Role of venues
Artist and promoter authority
Venue operators usually hand control of the show to the promoter and remain largely hands-off.
Venue authority and restrictions
Venue owners retain the ability to block a performance or, as one expert put it, “lock the doors” when they object to an artist or performance.
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour
- Dropped act
- Macklemore
- Supporting acts affected
- Four acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore
- Promoter
- Messina Touring Group
- Venue cited
- MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
- Venue owner statement
- Robert Kraft said the decision reflected Macklemore’s recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery
- Potential cancellation process
- Artists and promoters could use separate insurers to handle refunds and contractual losses