Story perspectives

Ed Sheeran Ends Macklemore’s Tour After Kraft Protests

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ed Sheeran removed rapper Macklemore from the Loop Tour after stadium owners objected to his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, citing broader antisemitic concerns.
All remaining opening acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Beoga—quit in solidarity.
Macklemore pledged his $1 million earnings to six Palestinian aid groups and urged Kraft to match.
Sheeran and Kraft each pledged $2 million, creating a $4 million humanitarian fund.

History

Historical Context

In August 1971 George Harrison and Ravi Shankar staged two Madison Square Garden shows, featuring Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr, drawing 40,000 fans and generating roughly $250,000 for UNICEF-administered Bangladesh relief. The event’s unprecedented artist-driven fundraising inspired later multi-artist benefits, most famously Live Aid in 1985, establishing a template for rock philanthropy.

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Story summary

Ed Sheeran removed rapper Macklemore from the Loop Tour after stadium owners objected to his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, citing broader antisemitic concerns.
All remaining opening acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Beoga—quit in solidarity.
Macklemore pledged his $1 million earnings to six Palestinian aid groups and urged Kraft to match.
Sheeran and Kraft each pledged $2 million, creating a $4 million humanitarian fund.

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