Full Breakdown
Macklemore’s Removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour Sparks Artist-Venue Conflict
By Drooid · · How we work
Macklemore Removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” stadium tour after delivering a “Free Palestine” speech and displaying Gaza-related imagery during his opening set at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. Venue owners—including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who controls Gillette Stadium—told promoter Messina Touring Group they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the bill. The promoter announced his removal, citing the risk of tour cancellations affecting “hundreds of thousands of fans.”
Background & Context
The dispute echoes former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s 2017 grievance that owners colluded to suppress his protest. Kaepernick referenced the Macklemore case on the MeidasTouch podcast, arguing that stadium owners are “willing to collude” to silence political speech.
Key Figures
- Ed Sheeran – Headliner of the Loop tour.
- Macklemore (Benjamin Haggerty) – Opening act who made the pro-Palestinian statements.
- Robert Kraft – Owner of Gillette Stadium; issued the venue ban.
- Colin Kaepernick – Activist who cited the case.
- Messina Touring Group – Promoter of the U.S. leg.
- Finneas O’Connell – Withdrew in solidarity.
Timeline
- Sept 4–5 – Macklemore performs at MetLife, delivers remarks and plays protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
- Sept 14 – Macklemore posts an Instagram statement describing a “fundamental disagreement” with Sheeran and alleging Kraft’s ultimatum.
- Sept 15 – Sheeran says the removal was the promoter’s decision, not his.
- Sept 25 (scheduled) – Planned Gillette Stadium shows featuring Macklemore are cancelled.
Data & Statistics
- Macklemore was slated for eight of the ten remaining U.S. shows.
Official Statements & Responses
Messina Touring Group confirmed multiple venues refused to allow Macklemore on the lineup, prompting the removal to avoid cancellations.
Criticism & Opposition
Finneas warned, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Irish folk group Beoga added, “We are Irish people who understand colonialism… committed activists for justice.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,” — Ed Sheeran
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sheeran acknowledges speaking with Kraft but says the final decision rested with the promoter. Kraft cites hate-speech concerns; Macklemore frames the action as pressure from powerful venue owners. Coordination among other stadium owners remains unverified.
Why It Matters
The episode shows how venue owners can influence touring artists when political speech is involved, and how figures like Kraft can affect cultural events beyond sports. The backlash from musicians highlights a debate over whether major concert stages should remain apolitical or serve as platforms for advocacy.