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Ed Sheeran’s tour rocked as all opening acts pull out after Macklemore exit
16th September, 2026 08:09 AM
Ed Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour has been thrown into fresh controversy after all four remaining supporting acts announced their withdrawal from upcoming shows in solidarity with rapper Macklemore.
The developments unfolded on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, hours after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from the tour, saying the decision was made by promoters and venues rather than himself.
According to the Associated Press, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga, Danish pop group Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Finneas all announced that they were leaving the tour. Their decisions came after Macklemore was dropped from upcoming dates following his public support for Palestine during performances.
Opening acts announce withdrawals
Finneas was among the first to make his position clear, announcing that he would no longer perform on Sheeran’s tour. In a statement shared on social media, he said, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” adding that he stood with Palestine and its people.
Aaron Rowe also announced his withdrawal, despite describing Sheeran as a friend who had changed his life. He said he could not continue performing while artists were being silenced for speaking about issues they believed in.
Beoga, which serves as Sheeran’s touring band, followed suit. The Irish group said it believed in dialogue and expressed support for the Palestinian people.
Lukas Graham also confirmed its departure, saying people should be able to speak about war, civilians and children regardless of where they live.
Why Macklemore was removed
The withdrawals followed Macklemore’s removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour. Reuters reported that the rapper was dropped after making pro-Palestinian remarks, including saying “Free Palestine” during a September 4, 2026 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Macklemore had also spoken about the suffering of people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The Guardian reported that the four supporting acts announced their departures after Sheeran explained that several stadium owners had refused to host the tour if Macklemore remained part of the lineup.
Sheeran responds to the fallout
Sheeran addressed the controversy on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, insisting that Macklemore’s removal was not his decision.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in a statement shared on Instagram, according to Reuters.
He said he had spoken with venues in an attempt to find a solution but that the decision was ultimately final.
Sheeran also said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak publicly about his beliefs but maintained that he wanted his concerts to remain spaces where people from different backgrounds could come together.
