Ed Sheeran Has No Tour Openers Left After Finneas & Lukas Graham Drop Out Over Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ Controversy
Backing band Beoga, which plays a mini set with Sheeran on tour, has also pulled out.
Three artists, Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's upcoming tour due to the controversy surrounding Macklemore's political stance on Palestine. Finneas announced his decision on Tuesday, stating that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed." Similarly, Graham expressed his support for Palestine and cited Macklemore's removal as a factor in his withdrawal.
Beoga, a traditional Irish band, also dropped out, citing "the silencing of Macklemore by Zionist lobbies." Additionally, Beoga's friendship with Sheeran has not changed, as they have played together during the Loop Tour shows. The controversy began when Macklemore supported Palestine on stage with his song "Hind’s Hall," leading to widespread calls for his removal.
Macklemore called for the promoter to remove him from the tour, and Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, banned him from the venue. Despite Macklemore's protest song, Sheeran emphasized his respect for the artist's stance and his belief in maintaining diplomacy and open conversations.
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