Ed Sheeran faces mass exodus of tour support acts over political silence
Multiple artists have withdrawn from Sheeran's Loop tour following the removal of rapper Macklemore, citing concerns about freedom of speech on political issues.
Ed Sheeran's attempt to remain politically neutral has backfired after rapper Macklemore was dropped as a support act on his Loop tour on Monday. Since then, nearly every other opening act has pulled out in protest, according to Guardian opinion columnist Zoe Williams.
Artists including Finneas O'Connell, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham have all withdrawn, citing the need to speak freely about political issues including war and civilian casualties. Finneas stated: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people." Aaron Rowe said he could not "allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence rightful voices."
Sources
- Dear Ed Sheeran, fence-sitting is so last century: musicians can no longer opt out of politics | Zoe Williams — The Guardian — Opinion
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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