Irish-Based Radio Station Drops Ed Sheeran's Music After Macklemore Drama

Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist from Thursday, 17 September, after listener reaction to the Macklemore tour row.

The independent Irish-owned station said Sheeran's songs would remain off air for the 'foreseeable future', while the programming decision stays under review.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates he was due to support on Sheeran's Loop Tour.

Messina Touring Group said several venues had refused to host upcoming concerts with Macklemore on the line-up. Sheeran later said the promoter, not he, made the decision to remove the rapper.

Classic Hits Radio Says Listener Feedback Drove the Decision

Dave Kelly, group programme director at Bay Broadcasting, said Classic Hits Radio had received 'reaction from our listeners' over the dispute.

He said the decision was 'not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran' and acknowledged the singer's own explanation.

Kelly said the station wanted to listen to its audience and stand alongside Irish artists who had made professional decisions based on their convictions.

'Ultimately, our position is a simple one. We believe in peace, humanity and respect,' Kelly said. He added that artists and listeners should be able to express and act on sincerely held views.

The station's statement does not claim Sheeran personally ordered Macklemore's removal. Instead, it links the playlist decision to listener feedback and the withdrawals of Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga.

The touring line-up changed further after Sheeran addressed the controversy. Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham were reported as replacements for Macklemore on the remaining US dates.

Beoga, the Irish folk group that co-wrote 'Galway Girl,' had been performing as Sheeran's backing band. The group later announced it would leave the remaining US dates.

Finneas also withdrew from six planned South American appearances later this year. He said 'artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed' and added that he stood with Palestinians.

Sheeran and Macklemore Address the Tour Fallout

Sheeran responded on Tuesday, 15 September, saying Macklemore's removal was 'the promoter's decision' and 'not mine.' He said he had tried to find a resolution after venues objected to Macklemore remaining on the bill.

The singer also said he was 'appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.' He said he would not abandon fans, touring staff or musicians who depended on the shows for work.

The dispute followed Macklemore's appearances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 and 5 September. His widely reported two-minute pro-Palestinian speech took place on 4 September.

During the appearance, Macklemore shouted 'Free Palestine' while introducing his protest song 'Hind's Hall.' He also said criticism of Israel should not be treated as criticism of Jewish people.

Macklemore later argued that his message became a greater commercial risk once he was appearing in major US stadiums. That remains his interpretation of why the dispute escalated.

Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, offered an opposing account. Kraft confirmed Macklemore would not perform there and cited conduct he regarded as antisemitic.

Kraft said the decision was not intended to prevent advocacy for Palestinians. His comments added another layer to a dispute already involving promoters, venues, artists and fans.

On Wednesday, 16 September, Macklemore pledged $1 million in net earnings from Sheeran's tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. He said he wanted attention returned to people affected by the conflict.

Rowe and Beoga both referenced Irish history when explaining their decisions to leave. Lukas Graham called its own withdrawal 'a difficult decision' and criticised the idea that wealth should decide who gets to speak.

Sheeran's tour remains scheduled to resume at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, 19 September.

His official site still lists Rowe and Lukas Graham as support, despite both acts announcing their withdrawals. That leaves the support line-up unresolved as the tour moves forward. Classic Hits Radio, meanwhile, says it will keep Sheeran's music removal under review.