Ed Sheeran Banned From Irish Airwaves 'For the Foreseeable Future' as Macklemore Fallout Explodes

An Irish radio station has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist. Classic Hits Radio confirmed on 17 September 2026 that it had removed the singer's catalogue from its playlist 'for the foreseeable future', following the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour.

The decision follows the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour's remaining US dates and the subsequent withdrawal of all four remaining acts. The move comes amid a wider controversy surrounding the tour and the dispute over Macklemore's removal.

Classic Hits Radio's Decision

Bay Broadcasting, which operates Classic Hits Radio, said the decision had been made after listeners expressed 'disappointment and concern' over events surrounding the tour. Group Programme Director Dave Kelly said the station had 'carefully considered' the move.

Kelly stressed the decision was not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran, and said the station acknowledged his own account of events. He said the station wished to stand alongside Irish artists who had made what was undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.

The station added that the suspension would remain 'under review', leaving open the possibility of reinstating Sheeran's music should circumstances change.

How the Row Began

The controversy traces back to 4 September 2026, when Macklemore, performing as Sheeran's opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, shouted 'Free Palestine!' while introducing his protest song 'Hind's Hall'. He told the crowd that criticism of Israel and opposition to genocide was not criticism of Jewish people.

Macklemore said on Instagram that several US venues on the tour's remaining schedule had warned promoters they would not host him. He alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had rallied other stadium owners and given Sheeran an ultimatum that the venues would not host the tour if Macklemore remained on the bill.

Kraft, whose organisation owns Gillette Stadium, said his decision not to allow Macklemore to perform there stemmed from the rapper's recent remarks and what Kraft described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that he believed had been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.

Kraft also said he would welcome an opportunity to discuss the issue with Macklemore.

Sheeran's Defence and the Mass Walkout

Sheeran addressed the fallout directly on Instagram, insisting the decision had not been his own. 'Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,' he wrote, adding that he would not abandon fans, crew or fellow musicians who depended on the tour for work.

The statement was followed by the withdrawal of all four remaining acts. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Sheeran's backing band Beoga, Billie Eilish's brother Finneas and Danish act Lukas Graham all withdrew from the remaining Loop Tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore.

Rowe, a Dublin native, said in his statement that, as an Irish person, he felt bound to acknowledge what he described as 'genocide, forced famine and violent occupation', and could not stay silent while powerful figures suppressed dissenting voices. The reaction extended beyond music.

Children's entertainer Ms Rachel criticised Sheeran on Instagram, contrasting his support for Ukraine with his decision not to publicly discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Congress members Ilhan Omar and Pramila Jayapal also expressed support for Macklemore, while pop artists Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress were among those who reacted supportively to his post.

What Happens Next

Macklemore has since sought to refocus attention on Gaza, citing the Palestinian death toll in his statement and saying he would donate his $1 million in net tour earnings to organisations supporting Palestinians.

Messina Touring Group previously confirmed that venues on the remaining US schedule would not permit Macklemore to perform. Classic Hits Radio's decision is the latest development involving Sheeran's music following the controversy, while the station said its programming decision would remain under review.