Why Macklemore Was Removed From Ed Sheeran's U.S. Tour
Ed Sheeran responded on Tuesday 15 September to backlash over Macklemore's removal from his North American Loop tour, saying he was appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and seeking to clarify his role in the decision. The Guardian
The removal followed Macklemore's turn as an opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. On 4 September, the American rapper gave a two-minute speech saying the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten, ending with "Free Palestine." He also performed his protest song Hind's Hall during that appearance. The Guardian
Messina Touring Group, the promoter handling the U.S. leg, confirmed on Monday 14 September that Macklemore would be removed from eight planned dates that followed. Owners of upcoming stadium venues had objected to keeping Macklemore on the bill, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The Guardian
Sheeran gave his account in an Instagram post captioned "It’s important that I set out some facts." He wrote that Macklemore asked to join the tour last year and he agreed because he respects him as an artist. He added that he let Macklemore choose his own set list, the songs played on stage, as he does with all his support acts, the performers who open for the main artist.
Macklemore said on Monday that he was dropped from the U.S. tour after his pro-Palestinian comments and "Free Palestine" remarks. Reuters He reacted publicly after the promoter's confirmation. Billboard
To understand who decided what here, one detail helps. Sheeran did not present the decision as his alone. Like most large stadium tours, this one splits control between the headliner, the promoter who organizes dates and logistics, and the venue owners. Each can influence who performs.
The broader context here is structural rather than personal. U.S. stadium tours need permission to use each building, and owners can set conditions. When a support act makes an explicit political statement early in the run, the promoter must still work with owners of later venues. The headliner can approve the music but does not control the buildings. Think of it like a traveling show booking a chain of theaters: approval from the star does not guarantee approval from every landlord.
Looking at what this means for touring practice, permission has limits. Letting a support act pick a set list does not ensure every venue will accept that choice. It leaves a practical question about coordination in advance, since a statement at one show can affect dates still to come. For outside observers, the key mechanism is venue pressure, which can remove a performer without the headliner taking a public position on the issue itself. How audiences read Sheeran's effort to separate personal respect from the commercial outcome will become clearer as the remaining dates go ahead.
