Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey on Ed Sheeran-Macklemore Situation: You Should “Live or Die” With Your Support Act

Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey has weighed in on the ongoing Ed Sheeran-Macklemore controversy, advocating that a headlining act should stand by the opening acts on their tours. Sheeran recently dropped Macklemore from his tour after the rapper made pro-Palestine remarks during one of the performances. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium in Boston, threatened to cancel an upcoming show if Sheeran didn't remove Macklemore, prompting Kraft to urge other NFL and stadium owners to take similar action.

Speaking with Boston Public Radio, Casey, who has been active on political issues for over three decades, emphasized the importance of solidarity among tourmates. He stated, "You live or die with the people you bring on the road. They're your people." Casey further elaborated that Macklemore's decision not to support Sheeran in their shared tour did not align with his own values, and that it doesn't align with how Dropkick Murphys would operate.

While the politically outspoken musician acknowledged that his anti-Trump messaging during a recent performance at the Rocklahoma festival may have alienated part of the audience and potentially upset the organizer, he felt it was a necessary stance. Dropkick Murphys are set to perform at Power to the People festival in Columbia, Maryland on October 3rd before embarking on a tour with Rise Against in Australia and New Zealand later this year.