Ed Sheeran’s support acts have pulled out of his US tour in reaction to Macklemore being dropped from the stadium dates over his pro-Palestine comments on stage.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham have announced they are no longer part of the tour. Irish folk band Beoga, who perform alongside Sheeran, have also dropped out.
"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” said Finneas in a statement.
The supports acts’ decision to quit follows Sheeran’s social media post in which the UK singer-songwriter said he was not responsible for Macklemore being removed from the tour, adding that he would not be drawn into a debate about Gaza.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran posted on Instagram. "I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."
Sheeran’s next US date is at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on Saturday (September 19), followed by scheduled shows at Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis. The promoter is Messina Touring Group.
