'Making Mistakes': Ed Sheeran Replaces His Opening Acts After Entire Support Band Quit In Protest

Ed Sheeran has installed Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser as new opening acts on his US Loop Tour after all his remaining support artists walked out in protest at the removal of rapper Macklemore.

The reshuffle followed Macklemore's exit from the bill after he made pro-Palestine remarks at two New Jersey concerts. Finneas, Lukas Graham and long-term collaborators Beoga then pulled out, leaving Sheeran to appear without support in Philadelphia on 19 September, where he apologised on stage and described himself as 'making mistakes'.

Ed Sheeran's Revised US Line-Up

Slade, formerly the lead singer of The Fray, opened Sheeran's Atlanta concert last weekend. His announcement extends that arrangement to Indianapolis on 10 October, Charlotte on 17 October, Arlington on 24 October and Tampa on 7 November.

Rosser, who competed in season 24 of American Idol earlier this year, confirmed his involvement in the Indianapolis concert at Lucas Oil Stadium.

'my first show since American Idol, and it's at Lucas Oil Stadium opening for @teddysphotos. I'm beyond excited and grateful. See you Saturday!' he wrote.

Sheeran's Hollywood, Florida, concerts on 29 and 30 October will have no opening acts because they are casino shows.

Familiar Guest Returns to Ed Sheeran's Stage

Slade had already appeared alongside Sheeran before taking an opening slot. In late August, he joined the singer in Toronto for a duet of The Fray's 2005 hit How to Save a Life.

His Atlanta opening set included that song and You Found Me. Between the performances, he addressed the audience about division and the need for common ground. 'Everybody seems to be taking sides in this world and that's good.'

'What's happening over there is wrong but if we're going to get through it, we're going to need people to step into that middle place, that common ground,' he continued. Slade concluded his remarks with an appeal for unity, telling concertgoers, 'We will find a way through this together.'

Ed Sheeran Addresses Freedom of Speech

Macklemore's appearances last month included a 'Free Palestine' speech and his protest song Hind's Hall. Sheeran subsequently faced criticism over the rapper's removal and the departure of the other supporting musicians.

During his Philadelphia performance, Sheeran told the audience he was 'so, so sorry' for the events surrounding the tour.

'This has put me in the middle of an important, passionate argument about freedom of speech on the most complex issue on the planet,' he stated. He also expressed concern about restrictions on freedom of speech, telling fans, 'It should never happen in the free world.'

Sheeran described his intention for his music to create a 'safe space for everybody'. He also stressed his obligation to concertgoers. 'Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am. That is why I'm here tonight, on my own, continuing my own tour.'

Macklemore Plans Separate 'Free Palestine' Shows

Macklemore announced the 'Macklemore & Friends: Free Palestine' concerts in Dublin, Paris and London after his removal. He reported on Instagram last month that all three shows had sold out 'immediately'.

He wrote, 'I'm honestly blown away. We put these shows together fast and in community, believing that musicians can stand in solidarity with Palestine, use the stage to raise funds and show what collective action can look like.'

Sheeran's US itinerary concludes in Tampa before a short Latin American leg. His world tour is scheduled to finish in Mexico City on 11 December.