Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour plans have changed after the rapper’s pro-Palestine remarks prompted objections from venues hosting upcoming US concerts.
NEW YORK: Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour appearances have been cancelled for the remaining US dates after venues objected to the rapper staying on the line-up following his pro-Palestine comments during concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, had been supporting Sheeran on his Loop Tour and was scheduled to appear at eight of the remaining 10 US shows. He confirmed his removal in a lengthy Instagram statement on September 14.
What did Macklemore say onstage?
During his September 4 appearance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore told the crowd that part of his reason for joining the tour was to publicly say “Free Palestine”.
He said he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. At another MetLife appearance, he reiterated his position and said his criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people.
The performances drew criticism from several groups. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the tour, arguing that an opening act should not use a major concert platform to advance what it described as a one-sided political agenda.
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Why was Macklemore removed from the tour?
Messina Touring Group, promoter of the US leg, said it had been informed by venues hosting upcoming shows that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the line-up.
The promoter said the situation could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. Following discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore was removed from his remaining support dates.
That distinction matters. While Macklemore described being dropped from the tour following conversations with Sheeran, the promoter specifically cited objections from venues as the reason he could no longer remain on the bill.
Macklemore said he and Sheeran, who have known each other for more than a decade, had several difficult conversations during the previous week. He indicated that the disagreement would not end their friendship.
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What happens to Ed Sheeran’s tour now?
The Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour controversy will not stop the wider Loop Tour from continuing.
Sheeran’s US stadium run is scheduled to resume in Philadelphia on September 19, with other supporting performers continuing as planned. Macklemore, however, will no longer appear on his remaining scheduled dates.
The dispute has also generated wider reaction across the entertainment industry, with artists and public figures debating political expression, Palestinian advocacy and the responsibilities of performers appearing before large audiences.
Macklemore has maintained that the controversy will not change his public advocacy for Palestinians, making clear that losing the remaining tour appearances would not alter his position.
Impact to expect
Debate. Macklemore’s removal could intensify discussion across the music industry about political expression onstage, venue control and the consequences artists may face when using major concert platforms to address divisive international issues.
