Ed Sheeran Loses Tour Openers After Macklemore Ouster
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has been hit by a cascade of cancellations after rapper Macklemore was removed for a pro‑Palestine speech. The fallout saw the band Katseye cut ties, several other openers withdraw, and the tour’s future hanging in the balance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ed Sheeran’s highly anticipated Loop Tour has been derailed by a series of high‑profile cancellations that followed the removal of rapper Macklemore from the lineup. The decision to drop Macklemore came after he delivered a “Free Palestine” speech during his performance in New Jersey, prompting venue owners to refuse to host him on subsequent dates. The ripple effect has left the tour without any opening acts, and the artist’s fanbase has been forced to confront the intersection of music and politics.
What Happened?
On September 4 and 5, Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and used the platform to advocate for Palestinian rights. The speech, which included a keffiyeh and footage of Gaza, triggered a backlash from venue owners. The owners, led by billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, claimed that Macklemore’s remarks crossed a line of hate speech and would jeopardise the safety of attendees. As a result, Macklemore was officially dropped from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Following the announcement, the band Katseye—known for their 2025 single “Gnarly” and the 2024 collaboration “Animal” written by Sheeran—unfollowed the artist on Instagram. The group’s members, including Megan Skiendiel, Manon Bannerman, Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia LaForteza, and Lara Raj, all removed themselves from Sheeran’s follower list. Raj and Skiendiel went further by following Macklemore and engaging with his posts about the tour’s cancellation.
Reactions from the Music Community
The fallout quickly spread across the music world. Several of Sheeran’s opening acts—Finneas (Billie Eilish’s brother), Aaron Rowe, and the Danish pop group Lukas Graham—publicly announced their withdrawal from the tour. Each artist cited solidarity with the Palestinian cause or a refusal to be associated with a political controversy as the reason for their decision.
Finneas stated, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Aaron Rowe added that he could not support a platform that “allows billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.” Lukas Graham emphasized the importance of speaking about war and civilian suffering, regardless of nationality.
Impact on the Loop Tour
With Macklemore gone and the openers pulling out, the Loop Tour’s schedule is now uncertain. The tour still has 18 dates left in the United States, but without support acts, the shows risk lower attendance and logistical complications. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues have communicated they will not allow Macklemore to perform, citing concerns over hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.
Ed Sheeran addressed the situation in a brief Instagram post, stating that he would not let fans down and that the tour would continue. He also expressed his dismay at the conflict between Israel and Palestine, calling it a “human tragedy.” However, the artist’s statement was met with criticism from fans who felt he had not taken a clear stance on the issue.
What’s Next?
As of now, the Loop Tour’s future remains uncertain. While Sheeran has not announced a new lineup of openers, the tour’s promoters are exploring alternatives. Meanwhile, Katseye’s decision to cut ties with Sheeran may set a precedent for other artists who wish to distance themselves from the controversy. The broader debate over artists’ political engagement continues to unfold, with fans and industry stakeholders calling for clearer guidelines on how music events handle political content.
In the meantime, Macklemore has announced a $1 million donation to six Palestinian aid organisations, including Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, and UNRWA USA, as a way to shift the conversation back to humanitarian aid rather than the controversy surrounding his performance.
Key facts
- Macklemore removed after pro‑Palestine speech
- Katseye and other openers withdrew
- Loop Tour’s future uncertain
- Macklemore donating $1 million to aid groups
- Venue owners cited hate‑speech concerns
Why it matters
The incident illustrates how political statements by artists can trigger venue backlash, leading to cancellations that ripple through the music industry and affect fans worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Macklemore removed?
Venue owners claimed his speech crossed a line of hate speech and could endanger attendees.
Did Ed Sheeran support Macklemore?
Sheeran said he would not let fans down but did not publicly endorse Macklemore’s political stance.
What happened to Katseye?
They unfollowed Sheeran on Instagram and followed Macklemore, signalling a break in their professional relationship.
Will the Loop Tour continue?
The tour’s future is uncertain; promoters are exploring new opening acts.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Ed Sheeran protegees cut ties with star after Macklemore Palestine row”
