Ed Sheeran's support acts quit tour over Macklemore's removal
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga have withdrawn from Sheeran's US stadium tour to protest the removal of Macklemore for pro-Palestinian comments.
Ed Sheeran announced he maintains a publicly apolitical stance, stating in a defense of his position: "If we only ever focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change." Macklemore was removed from the tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.
All remaining support acts and Sheeran's backing band have withdrawn in protest. Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother), Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish songwriter Aaron Rowe, and Irish backing band Beoga cited the removal of Macklemore and concerns over free speech as reasons for their departures.
Sources
- Ed Sheeran wants to stay out of politics. By quitting his tour, his support acts have exposed the hollowness of neutrality — The Guardian — Culture
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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