Artists Rally Behind Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour Removal Over Pro-Palestine Stance

Macklemore's brief stint as an opener on Ed Sheeran's Loop tour has ended in controversy—and an outpouring of support from fellow artists, activists, and public figures who say the rapper was silenced for speaking out on Palestine.

According to Rolling Stone, Macklemore performed just two nights on the tour before being removed. During those appearances, he used his time on stage to advocate for Palestinians living in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 73,000 as Israeli military operations continue despite an alleged ceasefire, according to the Associated Press. His "Free Palestine" call led to his removal, a decision ultimately made by the venue owners who opposed his statements.

A Platform, However Brief

In a statement addressing the removal, Macklemore framed the moment as a success rather than a loss. "I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2," he wrote. "Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I've ever been on."

The response from the wider music community was swift. Kehlani, who has faced similar consequences for her own pro-Palestine advocacy, commented on Macklemore's Instagram post: "A LOT of venues / owners are rallied together this way. Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!" In 2025, Kehlani was pulled from two separate performances—one at Cornell University and the other at New York's SummerStage—over her public support of the Palestinian people. At the time, she said, "If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism," adding: "I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I'm anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women. That's what I'm anti."

Finneas, who was scheduled to open for Sheeran later this year on the South American leg of the Loop tour, announced he had "decided to withdraw" from the run. "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," he wrote on Instagram. "I stand with Palestine and its people." Fellow opener Aaron Rowe also dropped out, saying, "I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children."

Lukas Graham, one of the few remaining openers at the time, soon followed. "Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge," Graham wrote. "I love Ed, and I'm grateful for everything we've shared. That hasn't changed. But I can't put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We're withdrawing from the remaining dates." Shortly after, Sheeran's backing band Beoga—a traditional Irish band who perform with him for several songs each night—also announced their departure. "We have made the decision to depart as Ed Sheeran's band on the remaining US Loop tour, following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies," they wrote, adding that they have been friends with Sheeran for over 10 years and "believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people."

Sheeran addressed the controversy in a multi-slide Instagram post, saying, "I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care." He disabled comments on the post.

A Familiar Pattern

The situation echoes previous instances of artists facing backlash for pro-Palestine statements. Irish rap group Kneecap, who spoke in defense of Palestinians during their Coachella performance last year, commented beneath Macklemore's post: "They can never silence the truth." The band also shared a backstage photo with the rapper, writing, "All love and solidarity to Macklemore. Free Palestine." In 2025, Kneecap announced plans to sue the BBC for defamation over the corporation's reaction to their Glastonbury performance, during which they led crowds in chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Death, death to the IDF."

Rapper Robby Vylan of Bob Vylan also commented, echoing his quote: "There is no thanks for a duty." The support extended beyond musicians, with activist Greta Thunberg and drag performer Pattie Gonia among those backing Macklemore, alongside Rachel Chinouriri and Ms. Rachel.

Macklemore's Career Context

For Macklemore, the moment arrives at a distinct phase of his career. The Seattle rapper, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, first rose to international prominence as one half of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Their 2012 single "Thrift Shop" (featuring Wanz) became the first self-released song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in 11 years, and follow-up "Can't Hold Us" (featuring Ray Dalton) also hit No. 1—making them the first duo in chart history to have their first two singles both reach the peak. Their debut album The Heist (2012) peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the duo won Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song ("Same Love"), and Best Rap Performance ("Thrift Shop").

After the duo's second album, This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016), Macklemore returned as a solo artist with the 2017 single "Glorious" (featuring Skylar Grey), followed by his second solo album Gemini (2017), which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. His third solo album, Ben, arrived in March 2023 and peaked at No. 18. Throughout his career, he has balanced mainstream success with a willingness to address social issues—most notably on "Same Love," which became an anthem for marriage equality.

The Loop tour controversy places him once again at the intersection of music and activism, but this time the consequences have been immediate. While he no longer has the platform afforded by stadium stages, the solidarity from peers suggests his message has found an audience well beyond the venues that removed him. As Kneecap put it, "They can never silence the truth."