Ed Sheeran Tour Acts Quit In Solidarity With Palestine

Openers Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and the backing band Beoga have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's 'The Loop' North American tour. Their departures follow the earlier removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour lineup, with all acts citing solidarity with the Palestinian people and protesting the silencing of artists who speak on the issue.

Finneas announced his decision on social media. "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," he wrote. The musician stated he stands with Palestine and its people.

Statements From The Departing Acts

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe also released a statement. He called the decision difficult, acknowledging Sheeran as a friend who changed his life. Rowe invoked Ireland's historical experience. "As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," he said. He stated he could not allow billionaires to use power to silence voices speaking against what he termed "Israeli genocide."

Irish folk band Beoga, Sheeran's backing band, confirmed their departure. They attributed their decision to "the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies." The band described the stadium tour as a dream opportunity but said playing in venues that silence advocacy for a Free Palestine was not an option. "We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people," their statement read. Beoga identified themselves as founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement.

Danish pop group Lukas Graham issued their own explanation. "It's hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love," they wrote. The statement argued for the right to speak about war and civilian deaths regardless of location. The group cited their upbringing in Copenhagen's Christiania community, where speaking one's mind was valued over wealth. "Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation," they stated, while affirming continued love and gratitude for Sheeran.

Sheeran's Response And Macklemore's Claims

Ed Sheeran issued a statement this morning, according to the source. He said the decision regarding Macklemore was ultimately not up to him, but the promoter. "I am not complicit," Sheeran wrote. He added that he has personal views on the conflict but chooses not to speak publicly, insisting this does not mean he does not care or support causes in his own way.

The source notes this response was not surprising given Macklemore's earlier statement. The rapper had criticized Sheeran's "typical apolitical stance," arguing that taking a side has costs. "I've lost all of those things," Macklemore wrote, listing money, brand deals, and relationships. He contended there is no neutral position. "When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn't leave you in the middle," his statement said.

Beoga's statement referenced these tensions, claiming they were present for Macklemore's performance and speech and fully supported his message. They alleged most of the audience at MetLife Stadium did too, which "terrifies the lobbies." The band's message ended with the phrases "Up the workers" and "Free Palestine." Their statement also pointed to the ongoing violence, asserting, "over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the most recent so-called ceasefire."