{
  "id": 18853229,
  "title": "U2 Weigh In on Ed Sheeran and Macklemore Tour Controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/u2-weigh-in-on-ed-sheeran-and-macklemore-tour-controversy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T03:53:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/u2-macklemore-ed-sheeran-tour-censorship-comments-1236377026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U2 have expressed their support for Macklemore's right to speak out during the controversy surrounding his removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. The Edge acknowledged Sheeran's difficult position and praised the artists who joined the protest by leaving the tour. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. emphasized the importance of free expression and the right to speak one's mind without fear of censorship, as long as it does not incite violence. The Edge and Mullen Jr. also emphasized that no entity, including billionaires or promoters, has the right to silence artists. Macklemore was removed from the North American leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour following his controversial performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he advocated for Palestine and performed a protest song. Promoter Messina Touring Group cited the venue's refusal to host the shows due to Macklemore's comments, while New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred him from playing at Gillette Stadium, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Several artists, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, also left the tour in solidarity. Sheeran later apologized for his handling of the situation, and Macklemore has since performed at benefit concerts for Palestinian organizations in Dublin, Paris, and London. U2 will release their 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, on November 13, which includes a duet with the late Dolly Parton titled \"Torn.\"",
  "summary": "The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. defended the rapper’s right to speak out, while the Edge said Sheeran “should not be vilified”.",
  "key_points": [
    "Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour over controversial performances.",
    "U2 supports Macklemore's right to free expression without censorship.",
    "Several artists, including Macklemore, left tour in solidarity."
  ],
  "editors_take": "U2’s public endorsement of Macklemore signals a growing defiance among major musicians against the power of promoters and venue owners to censor political expression on large-scale concert tours.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}