Hayley Williams Features Macklemore and Artists Who Exited Ed Sheeran's Tour in Pre-Show Playlist

Hayley Williams appeared to throw her support behind Macklemore and the artists who walked away from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour by filling her pre-show playlist with their music following the rapper's removal.

Before Williams took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium in New York on Wednesday, fans heard tracks from Macklemore, Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk band Beoga, the acts at the centre of the rapidly growing controversy surrounding Sheeran's tour.

The playlist included Macklemore's Can't Hold Us and Thrift Shop, Lukas Graham's Mama Said, Rowe's The Lane, Beoga's Aurora II and Finneas' For Cryin' Out Loud.

Williams did not publicly explain the song choices, but their timing; immediately after Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, prompted widespread interpretation of the playlist as a deliberate show of support.

Williams Appears To Side With Departing Artists

The Paramore singer had already signalled sympathy with Macklemore by liking his Instagram statement announcing his departure from Sheeran's tour.

She also recently reshared a satirical post mocking celebrities who avoid discussing political issues publicly.

The post joked about 'keeping the conversation open by saying nothing' and described concerts as being about 'commerce' rather than politics. Williams has herself repeatedly voiced support for Palestinians during live performances.

Her playlist came after Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe all withdrew from upcoming Loop Tour dates. Beoga, who had been appearing as part of Sheeran's live show, also left.

Finneas said artists 'must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed', while Rowe and Beoga invoked Ireland's history when explaining their decisions.

Macklemore Removed After 'Free Palestine' Remarks

The dispute began after Macklemore used his support slot at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to address the war in Gaza and tell the crowd: 'Free Palestine.'

At a subsequent performance, he stressed that his criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people and said his message was about peace and equal treatment.

Macklemore later said he had been removed from the remaining dates after several stadium operators objected to his continued involvement.

Sheeran confirmed that venues had threatened not to host upcoming concerts with Macklemore on the bill, but said promoter Messina Touring Group, not he personally, made the final decision to remove the rapper.

'I am not complicit,' Sheeran said, explaining that he deliberately avoids using his professional platform for politics because his audiences include people from widely different backgrounds.

He nevertheless said he respected Macklemore's 'strength of purpose' in speaking publicly about what he believes.

Tour Fallout Spreads Across Music Industry

Macklemore's removal quickly became a wider dispute over artists, political speech and the influence of stadium owners.

By Tuesday, Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe had all withdrawn from upcoming dates with Sheeran, while Beoga had also left his touring band.

Williams has not formally joined that dispute or directly criticised Sheeran. But at Forest Hills, she did not need to make a speech to make her choice of music noticeable.

As thousands of fans waited for her show to begin, nearly every artist caught up in Sheeran's tour fallout was coming through the speakers.