'I Don't Need 10 Shows From Ed': Macklemore Opens Up on Sheeran Tour Fallout

Macklemore has spoken out about his removal from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's US Loop Tour, saying in a lengthy Instagram post that two stadium appearances were enough for him to deliver his message supporting Palestine.

The 43-year-old rapper shared the statement on his official Instagram account on 14 September, after it was confirmed he would no longer support Sheeran on upcoming US dates. Macklemore had already performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 and 5 September and was scheduled to support Sheeran at eight of the remaining 10 US concerts.

'I Didn't Need 10 Shows From Ed'

Towards the end of his Instagram post, Macklemore insisted he did not regret what happened despite losing his remaining appearances.

'I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2,' Macklemore wrote, referring to the opportunity he had been given to perform alongside Sheeran.

He said the two MetLife shows allowed him to stand before around 90,000 people and publicly say 'Free Palestine'. He added that if losing the remaining dates redirected attention towards Palestine, he considered it 'the most successful tour' he had joined.

During the MetLife performances, Macklemore also performed 'Hind's Hall', his 2024 protest song supporting pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

Macklemore Details Talks With Sheeran

Macklemore used the Instagram statement to describe private conversations he said he had with Sheeran after the MetLife performances.

According to Macklemore, Sheeran told him that the words 'Free Palestine' and the image of a Palestinian flag were hurtful to people he had spoken with.

Macklemore said he responded that if those words were considered more offensive than Palestinian children being killed in Gaza, there was a 'fundamental disconnect' between their positions.

He characterised Sheeran's public position as 'I don't take sides', while acknowledging that the British singer had been placed in a difficult situation.

Despite their disagreement, Macklemore said he hoped the episode would not end their 13-year friendship. Sheeran had not publicly responded to Macklemore's account at the time of writing.

Macklemore's Claims About Kraft

Macklemore also used the Instagram post to make claims about New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's involvement in the dispute.

According to Macklemore's account, Sheeran told him that Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, had contacted him about Macklemore's participation and had also contacted other stadium owners. Macklemore's account of those alleged communications has not been independently established.

Tour promoter Messina Touring Group separately confirmed Macklemore would no longer appear on his remaining support dates.

The promoter said venues hosting upcoming concerts had indicated they would not allow the shows to proceed with Macklemore on the bill. Keeping him on the lineup, therefore, risked cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.

Sheeran's US tour itself was not cancelled. Macklemore was instead removed from his scheduled support appearances, allowing the concerts to continue without him.

Kraft separately confirmed that Gillette Stadium would not allow Macklemore to perform at the scheduled shows. He cited what he characterised as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery associated with the rapper's recent actions.

That statement did not, by itself, confirm Macklemore's separate claim that Kraft had contacted other stadium owners.

Macklemore has rejected attempts to equate his criticism of Israel or opposition to Zionism with hatred of Jewish people, while acknowledging that antisemitism exists.

For Macklemore, reaching the MetLife audience had already accomplished what he wanted.

His closing message was simple: 'Free Palestine.'