Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour loses four acts after Macklemore removal
Ed Sheeran’s concert tour lost four supporting music acts.
They left after rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour.
Macklemore had spoken about Gaza and the West Bank during a concert.
He said “Free Palestine” and showed images of destruction from the war in Gaza.
Sheeran said the tour promoter, not he, made the decision to remove Macklemore.
Sheeran also said he respected Macklemore’s right to speak out.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham said they were leaving in support of Macklemore.
Some of them said artists should be able to speak about people being harmed.
The departures happened on September 15, 2026.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour on September 15, 2026.
Their departures followed Macklemore’s removal after venues reportedly objected to hosting him.
Macklemore’s removal followed his September 4 performance supporting people in Gaza and the West Bank.
Sheeran said promoter Messina Touring Group made the decision, not him, and that he respected Macklemore’s choice to speak out.
The departing artists cited solidarity with Macklemore and opposition to silencing speech about oppression and Palestine.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Messina Touring Group were involved.
- What
- Four supporting acts withdrew from Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from its lineup.
- When
- Macklemore was removed on September 14, 2026; the four withdrawals occurred on September 15, 2026.
- Where
- The dispute followed a performance at MetLife Stadium; Macklemore was also scheduled to appear at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
- Why
- Macklemore was removed after venues reportedly said they would not host shows with him on the bill following his pro-Palestinian statements.
Departing artists and Macklemore
Sheeran and tour-side explanation
Why Macklemore was removed
Departing artists and Macklemore
Macklemore said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pushed for his removal after his pro-Palestinian performance.
Sheeran and tour-side explanation
Sheeran said Messina Touring Group made the decision, while the report said venues told promoters they would not host shows if Macklemore remained.
Artists speaking about Palestine
Departing artists and Macklemore
The departing acts expressed solidarity with Macklemore and argued that artists should not be silenced when speaking about oppression, colonialism or Palestine.
Sheeran and tour-side explanation
Sheeran said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak out but preferred using his own platform to keep conversations open rather than publicly taking sides.
Leaving the tour
Departing artists and Macklemore
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham said their principles led them to withdraw, despite gratitude toward or friendship with Sheeran.
Sheeran and tour-side explanation
Sheeran said he tried to find another solution during the week but could not prevent Macklemore’s removal or the resulting departures.
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
- Macklemore’s removal
- September 14, 2026
- Supporting-act departures
- September 15, 2026
- Number of departing acts
- Four: Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga
- Performance prompting controversy
- Macklemore’s September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium
- Promoter named by Sheeran
- Messina Touring Group
- Macklemore’s message
- Support for people in Gaza and the West Bank, including the words “Free Palestine”