Ed Sheeran’s tour has taken a major hit after four support acts walked out in solidarity with Macklemore, who lost his spot on the tour after speaking out for Palestine.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Irish folk band Beoga all announced Tuesday that they would leave the Loop Tour.
The exits came hours after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal and said the tour promoter, not him, made the decision. Several U.S. venues had reportedly objected to Macklemore remaining on the lineup after his comments at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Sheeran said he tried to find a solution but could not stop the decision.
Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.
Macklemore made the comments during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 shows at MetLife Stadium. During one performance, he spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank before saying “Free Palestine.” His remarks triggered backlash from some venue owners and advocacy groups.
Then the tour started losing its other acts.
Finneas, who planned to join Sheeran for six South American shows later this year, said artists should have the freedom to speak about issues they believe in.
Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham also announced their departures. Beoga, which has worked with Sheeran for more than a decade and performed with him during his shows, followed them out.
The withdrawals leave Sheeran without the support acts originally lined up for his remaining shows.
His next scheduled performance comes Saturday in Philadelphia, and the tour has not announced replacement acts yet.