Story perspectives

Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour After Protests

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 1:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour removed rapper Macklemore after venues objected to his pro-Palestine remarks.
Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4-5, shouting “Free Palestine” and playing “Hind’s Hall”.
Messina Touring Group said Macklemore will miss eight of ten remaining U.S. dates, including Sept. 25-26 at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga quit the tour in protest of Macklemore’s removal.

History

Historical Context

In March 2003, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines denounced President George W. Bush during a London concert, sparking a boycott that saw country stations blacklisting their songs and the Top of the World Tour gross $60.5 million. The 2024 Ed Sheeran Loop Tour’s removal of Macklemore for pro-Palestine comments echoes that earlier backlash, highlighting a recurring pattern of swift commercial penalties for political statements in the music industry.

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Story summary

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour removed rapper Macklemore after venues objected to his pro-Palestine remarks.
Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4-5, shouting “Free Palestine” and playing “Hind’s Hall”.
Messina Touring Group said Macklemore will miss eight of ten remaining U.S. dates, including Sept. 25-26 at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga quit the tour in protest of Macklemore’s removal.

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