Update: All four support acts for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour have now dropped out in solidarity with fellow supporting act Macklemore, who was removed from the tour on Monday (September 14) for voicing his support for Palestine.
Earlier today (September 15), Sheeran issued a statement explaining that while he didn’t make the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour, saying it was up to the venues and the promoter.
Now Sheeran has lost four remaining support acts, including his backing band, who stand with Macklemore and his unwavering support for the people of Palestine.
In an Instagram post, FINNEAS, who was scheduled to play shows in South America in November and December, explained that he will be dropping off the tour.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, who is currently on Sheeran’s American tour, has decided to withdraw as a support act.
On Instagram, he wrote, “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”
“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,” he continued. “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
“I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland,” he added.
Danish pop group Lukas Graham have also announced they will no longer join Sheeran either.
“It’s hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love,” they wrote on Instagram. “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.”
The band’s singer Lukas Forchhammer explained that coming from a small community in Denmark meant “speaking your mind was part of everyday life,” adding that “having more money didn’t make your opinion worth more than anyone else’s... Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
They concluded by showing their love and gratitude for Sheeran, but that they “can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
Sheeran’s own backing band Beoga have also left the tour, as they put it, “following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.”
The traditional Irish band acknowledged just how much of an opportunity and a dream it is to perform with Sheeran in large stadiums, admitting, “that opportunity is not lost on us... but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”
“We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be,” they continued. “We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”
They targeted zionist lobbyists for “[silencing] artists who want to speak freely about a genocide happening before our eyes, for fear of retribution,” singling out billionaire Robert Kraft, who reportedly told Sheeran to drop Macklemore.
Members of Boega witnessed Macklemore’s performance and speech, which they full support. “We are Irish people who understand colonialism,” they added. “As founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be. Up the workers. Free Palestine.”
Read their statements below.