Ed Sheeran's live band & all 4 openers drop out from tour in solidarity with Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's Loop tour has faced significant backlash after opening act Macklemore was dropped following speeches he made on stage supporting Palestine.

Macklemore, 43, an American rapper, announced that Sheeran, 35, had removed him from the tour in an Instagram post on Sep. 14.

The fallout resulted in all four remaining supporting acts and Sheeran's live band withdrawing from the tour.

In separate statements, the opening acts who announced their decisions to quit are American singer Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga.

Sheeran published a statement on Instagram on Sep. 15 stating that it was important he lay out the facts.

Pressured by venue owners

Sheeran said he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and that, with all his supporting acts, he gave them free rein over their setlist.

However, after Macklemore's performances, venues told Sheeran "they would pull the shows if he was still supporting".

"I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said."

Sheeran added that he spoke with the venues all week "to try and build a bridge" but noted that the "venue's and promoter's decision was final".

He singled out the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Kraft Group, Robert Kraft.

According to Rolling Stone, Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium, also confirmed his decision, noting that it was based on Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community".

Macklemore's dismissal not Sheeran's decision

Sheeran clarified that Macklemore being kicked out was the tour promoter's decision, not his.

"I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living", said Sheeran.

He added that he has always used his platform and music to unite people of various backgrounds and "this won't ever change".

Sheeran said: "I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict."

'Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum'

Sheeran explained his reasoning for not using his platform for politics: his young audience, often children, "do not expect a political forum" at his shows.

"I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace."

Sheeran asserted that he chooses to use his fame and platform as a place of "safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open".

He added that by only focusing on shouting the loudest, nothing will change and that there are different ways to advocate for change.

Sheeran concluded by saying he had spent the week attempting to find a solution but was unable to do so.

"I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too."

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