Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has suddenly found itself without a single remaining support act, after Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga all pulled out following Macklemore’s removal from the US dates.
The exits come after Macklemore was dropped from the bill following his pro-Palestine comments at Sheeran’s New Jersey shows earlier this month, with venue owners reportedly refusing to host the tour if he remained on the line-up.
What happened with Macklemore and Ed Sheeran?
Macklemore performed at Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows on September 4 and 5, where he told the crowd he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know “we have not forgotten about them”, before saying “free Palestine”.
The rapper was subsequently removed from Sheeran’s remaining US tour dates. Messina Touring Group, the promoter behind the US leg, said venues had informed it that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the bill, and that retaining him could lead to the tour’s cancellation.
The “Thrift Shop” singer took to his Instagram to share the news saying that decision happened after a week of “difficult conversation” with Sheeran, although he stressed that the singers were not the victims in this situation.
“We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world,” he wrote. “Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.
“The victims are the Palestinian people. The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence.”
Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, confirmed he opposed Macklemore performing at the venue. Kraft said the decision was based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material used onstage and what he called a history of rhetoric and imagery that had been “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community”.
Macklemore clarified in an X Post on September 8 that his criticism of Israel is not an attack on Jewish people.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” Macklemore said. “My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn
— Macklemore (@macklemore) September 7, 2026
Ed Sheeran says it wasn’t his call
Sheeran addressed the situation in an Instagram statement, saying upcoming venues had threatened to pull their shows after Macklemore’s New Jersey performances.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote, adding that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than him. He said he had tried to find “a mutual resolution” through discussions with promoters and activists, but the “venue’s and promoter’s decision was final”.
When it came to his politics, Sheeran said there was “a reason” why he doesn’t speak about it.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics — my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace,” he said.
“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”
Fans have since pointed out that the “Shape of You” singer has shown advocacy on political matters in the past, donating proceeds made from a version of “2step” to Ukrainian humanitarian relief and in 2022. He also headlined a concert for Ukraine and posted a video saying “to all Ukrainians, I love you, I stand with you”.
Ed Sheeran says he doesn’t “take sides” when it comes to Palestine🇵🇸 or politics unless, apparently, it’s Ukraine🇺🇦. pic.twitter.com/FxtnmhqcJT
— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 (@Malcolm_Pal9) September 15, 2026
In his statement this week, Sheeran said he would not cancel dates, citing fans’ plans as well as the touring crew, musicians and support acts whose work depended on the shows proceeding.
All openers have now left Ed Sheeran’s tour
First to announce his exit was Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, who had been set to perform at the remaining North American dates.
“I don’t take the decision lightly,” Rowe wrote, noting that Sheeran had “changed my life”.
“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he added.
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.”
Finneas, who was booked for six South American dates in November, then withdrew. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote. “I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Danish band Lukas Graham also departed, with frontman Lukas Forchhammer writing: “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”
Meanwhile, Sheeran’s touring band Beoga said it was leaving following what it described as the “silencing of Macklemore”.
Reports indicate the tour is scheduled to resume at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, although it is unclear whether replacement openers will be added.
Lead image used Getty images.
The post All Of Ed Sheeran’s Remaining Openers Have Quit His Tour Following Macklemore’s Removal appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
