Artist Finneas and Others Leave Ed Sheeran’s Tour Following Macklemore’s Departure

(AFP) — On Tuesday, artist Finneas, along with three other supporting acts, announced their decision to leave Ed Sheeran’s tour. This came after the removal of rapper Macklemore, who made pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance.

Sheeran has stated that he was not responsible for Macklemore’s removal, attributing the decision to the tour’s promoter.

Finneas, known for his collaborations with his sister Billie Eilish, along with Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, and Denmark’s Lukas Graham, all shared their choice to exit Sheeran’s “Loop Tour.”

In a recent show opening for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore had shouted, “Free Palestine!” and reassured Palestinians that they were “not forgotten.”

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Sheeran clarified that it was the promoter, Messina Touring Group, who ended Macklemore’s contract. He noted that venues had communicated they would drop the show if Macklemore remained in the lineup.

Despite extensive talks with venue managers, including Robert Kraft, owner of Boston’s Gillette Stadium, Sheeran found himself unable to resolve the situation.

Finneas has previously expressed support for Palestinians and reaffirmed his stance on Tuesday, emphasizing that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” He declared, “I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Beoga, Sheeran’s touring band, expressed their disappointment, stating they chose to leave “following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.” They acknowledged the significance of their opportunity to perform but emphasized their commitment to activism, declaring, “we are Irish people who understand colonialism.”

As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, Beoga affirmed their ongoing dedication to justice.

Rowe, another Irish artist, reflected on his country’s history of suffering when explaining his exit. He mentioned Sheeran as a close friend who “has changed my life,” but noted that he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide.”

Sheeran’s Stance on Political Issues

In his Instagram post, Sheeran touched upon why he generally refrains from discussing political matters, particularly the conflict in Gaza. He stressed that his silence doesn’t reflect indifference, stating, “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.” He believes attendees at his shows do not expect a political dialogue and acknowledged Macklemore’s “strength of purpose.”

On Monday, Macklemore clarified that Sheeran and his team were not the ones who removed him from the tour. He alleged that Kraft announced he would be barred from performing and had sought the support of other venues to ensure his exclusion.

Kraft, for his part, said that Gillette Stadium would not provide a platform for what he referred to as hate speech. Macklemore, famous for tracks like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” has consistently voiced his support for Palestinian causes. His 2024 release, “Hind’s Hall,” pays homage to Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl whose passing ignited international outrage.