Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and More Exit Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' After Singer Addresses Macklemore Controversy

Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has lost several of its supporting acts after the singer addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from the North American leg. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Finneas and Irish band Beoga have all announced their departures, with the artists expressing solidarity with Macklemore and his support for Palestinians.

Their decisions came after Sheeran said the tour promoter removed Macklemore following objections from venues. Sheeran said he had not personally made the decision, while Macklemore has offered a different account of the circumstances surrounding his removal.

Aaron Rowe Withdraws From Sheeran Tour Over Macklemore Removal

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe was among the first artists to confirm his withdrawal, saying he could no longer continue on the tour after Macklemore was removed.

Rowe acknowledged his friendship with Sheeran and credited the singer with changing his life, but said his decision was ultimately guided by his own beliefs and Ireland's history of colonialism, forced famine and occupation.

He argued that he could not continue performing while believing artists were being silenced for speaking about the situation in Palestine. In his statement, Rowe said: 'I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.'

He added that continuing with the tour would mean compromising his principles. 'I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal,' Rowe added, ending his message with 'Free Palestine.'

Three More Acts Withdraw From Sheeran's Tour

Rowe was followed by Lukas Graham, Finneas and Beoga, who also announced they would no longer participate in Sheeran's Loop Tour. Their departures mean four announced supporting acts have now withdrawn following Macklemore's removal, with each artist expressing opposition to what they viewed as the silencing of political expression.

Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking for oppressed people and confirmed that he stood with Palestine and its people. Lukas Graham also criticised the influence of wealth and power over artists' ability to express political views, while Beoga cited its Irish identity and opposition to silencing artists advocating for Palestine.

The departures came hours after Sheeran issued his own explanation of the Macklemore decision. Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter and venues rather than by him personally.

Sheeran Says Promoter and Venues Made Macklemore Decision

Sheeran said he was 'appalled' by the Israel-Palestine conflict but insisted he had not personally decided to remove Macklemore. According to Sheeran, venues on upcoming tour dates told him they would pull their shows if Macklemore remained on the line-up.

He said he spent the week speaking with venues, promoters and activists on both sides in an attempt to find a resolution. Sheeran ultimately said the promoter and venues had the final say in the decision.

Sheeran also explained that he deliberately keeps politics away from his professional platform because his audience includes young people and families. He said he respects Macklemore's decision to speak publicly but believes there are different ways to advocate for peace.

The controversy intensified after Macklemore used his MetLife Stadium performances to support Palestinians, repeatedly saying 'Free Palestine' and performing Hind's Hall.

Macklemore subsequently claimed that Robert Kraft and other stadium owners had pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour, while Kraft has confirmed that he opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium.

Kraft's confirmation relates to his own stadium, while Macklemore's broader claim that Kraft rallied other stadium owners has not been independently established. The distinction is important because Sheeran has said the tour promoter and venues, rather than he personally, made the decision to remove Macklemore.

Macklemore Says 'Taking a Side Can Cost You'

Macklemore has defended his decision to speak about Palestine despite losing his remaining dates on Sheeran's tour. In a lengthy statement, he said his conversations with Sheeran had been difficult but maintained that their long-standing friendship did not change his responsibility to speak about what he believed was happening in Palestine.

He also argued that remaining neutral was not an option for him. 'Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I've lost all of those things,' Macklemore wrote on Instagram.

He said the consequences were outweighed by the opportunity to use Sheeran's stadium platform to draw attention to Palestine. Macklemore also said he hoped his disagreement with Sheeran would not end their friendship, describing the dispute as a painful disagreement rather than a personal attack.

The withdrawals have broadened the dispute beyond Macklemore's removal, raising questions about how artists balance political expression with commercial relationships. Sheeran, Macklemore and the departing acts have offered different perspectives on where that balance should be drawn.