Ed Sheeran Said He Wouldn't 'Abandon' His Support Acts, Now 4 Quit in Solidarity With Macklemore: Who Are They?

Four artists and musicians have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from the line-up following his pro-Palestinian remarks, creating a fresh complication for the singer's remaining dates.

The departures came hours after Sheeran addressed the controversy on Instagram, saying Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision and insisting he would not 'abandon' his touring crew or support acts.

All four artists subsequently announced that they would no longer take part in the tour.

Ed Sheeran Said He Wouldn't Abandon Support Acts

Sheeran said venues on upcoming dates had threatened to pull their shows if Macklemore remained on the tour following his performances at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.

The singer said he had spent the week trying to find a solution, including speaking with venues, promoters and activists on both sides, but that the venue and promoter decision was ultimately final.

'Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision; it was not mine,' Sheeran wrote. 'I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.'

Four Artists Exit Sheeran's Loop Tour

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, American singer and producer Finneas and Irish traditional folk band Beoga have all withdrawn from Sheeran's tour.

Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore on the remaining US dates, while Beoga had been performing alongside Sheeran as his touring band. Finneas was scheduled to join the tour for six South American dates in November.

Rowe was among the first to announce his departure, calling it a difficult decision but saying, '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.'

Lukas Graham singer Lukas Forchhammer said it was 'hard to watch families bury their loved ones' and that people should be able to speak about war, civilian deaths and children 'wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.'

Forchhammer added, 'no bank balance should decide who gets to speak'. He said he loved Ed and was grateful for the opportunity but could not continue 'as things stand'.

Finneas wrote: 'Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,' adding that he stood 'with Palestine and its people'.

Beoga said, 'To play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.'

Sheeran, meanwhile, has said he respects Macklemore's right to express his views but chooses not to use his professional platform for politics.

He said his shows are intended to bring people together and provide a welcoming space for audiences.

Macklemore's Removal Sparks Venue Dispute

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after making pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium on 4 and 5 September, including saying 'Free Palestine' and performing 'Hind's Hall'.

The tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues had notified it that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the line-up. Sheeran said he spoke with venue owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Kraft later defended the decision not to host Macklemore at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's recent actions and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that he believes has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.