Story perspectives

Robert Kraft Bars Macklemore After “Free Palestine” Backlash

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 5:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ed Sheeran removed rapper Macklemore from his Loop Tour after venues objected to his “Free Palestine” remarks.
Messina Touring Group, not Sheeran, made the decision to drop Macklemore.
Venues threatened to cancel upcoming concerts unless Macklemore stayed off the lineup.
Billionaire Robert Kraft pressured venues and barred Macklemore from the September 25-26 shows.
Supporting acts Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas quit in solidarity with Macklemore.

History

Historical Context

In April 1979, Rock Against Racism held benefit concerts at the Rainbow Theatre, with The Clash, Pete Townshend and Misty in Roots, after police attacks on anti-National-Front demonstrators that killed Blair Peach. Founded in 1976 to oppose racist remarks by Eric Clapton, the movement later organised carnivals that attracted 100,000 people. Today, Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour drops Macklemore under pressure from Robert Kraft and Messina Touring Group, echoing venue intimidation.

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Story summary

Ed Sheeran removed rapper Macklemore from his Loop Tour after venues objected to his “Free Palestine” remarks.
Messina Touring Group, not Sheeran, made the decision to drop Macklemore.
Venues threatened to cancel upcoming concerts unless Macklemore stayed off the lineup.
Billionaire Robert Kraft pressured venues and barred Macklemore from the September 25-26 shows.
Supporting acts Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas quit in solidarity with Macklemore.

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