Ed Sheeran Macklemore Row Explodes as 'Thinking Out Silent' Satire Mocks Tour Fallout

Ed Sheeran's escalating row with Macklemore has inspired an unlikely musical parody, with Australian satirical publication The Chaser inventing a fictional Sheeran song called 'Thinking Out Silent' to mock the fallout from the rapper's removal from the US tour.

Published on 15 September, the satirical piece imagines a revamped version of Sheeran's 2014 hit 'Thinking Out Loud,' with the fictional song taking aim at the controversy over Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks, stadium owners and the singer's response to the tour fallout. It is not a genuine Ed Sheeran song release.

'Thinking Out Silent' Takes Aim at Tour Controversy

The Chaser's parody changes the title from 'Thinking Out Loud' to 'Thinking Out Silent' and imagines the song as a sarcastic commentary on staying neutral when taking a political position could upset powerful figures.

The fictional lyrics mock the idea of refusing to 'pick sides' on issues ranging from love and friendship to genocide. The satire also takes aim at billionaire stadium owners, referencing the reported venue pressure surrounding Macklemore's removal.

Among the invented lyrics are: 'And darling I will be loving someone 'til we're whatever age they want.'

The parody also changes Sheeran's familiar song title to 'Thinking Out Silent' before joking about finding love while questioning whether taking a position is worthwhile. The parody ends with the fictional line about Sheeran's soul being 'sold out.'

The exaggerated lyrics are designed to mock the controversy rather than represent statements or songwriting by Sheeran. The Chaser is an Australian satirical publication.

Why Macklemore Was Removed From the Tour

The parody appeared as the genuine dispute surrounding Sheeran's Loop Tour rapidly escalated.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after speaking in support of Palestinians during a 4 September performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. He said 'Free Palestine' while introducing his protest song 'Hind's Hall.'

The rapper later claimed several US stadiums had refused to host him and alleged that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, had pressured venues over his participation.

Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium, citing his recent actions and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Ed Sheeran Says Macklemore Exit Was Not His Decision

Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy, saying Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision rather than his own.

He said venue owners had refused to host shows if Macklemore remained on the bill and that he had spent days trying to find a solution.

Sheeran also said he respected Macklemore's decision to speak about the conflict but preferred to keep politics separate from his professional platform.

That distinction has become central to the dispute, with Macklemore describing pressure from stadium owners while Sheeran has said the decision to remove the rapper was not his.

Support Acts Withdraw as Fallout Widens

The controversy escalated further when Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Sheeran's touring band Beoga all withdrew from the upcoming tour dates.

Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking up for oppressed people, while Lukas Graham questioned whether financial power should determine which issues artists can discuss.

Their departures expanded the dispute beyond Macklemore's removal, with the tour now at the centre of a broader debate over artists, political expression and the influence of concert venues.

The developments provided the backdrop for The Chaser's 'Thinking Out Silent' parody, which turns the increasingly contentious Macklemore and Ed Sheeran tour fallout into a fictional song about staying silent.