U2 Back Macklemore's Right to Speak as Ed Sheeran Tour Row Continues
U2 have spoken out in support of Macklemore's right to say what he wants. Guitarist The Edge told Billboard that the band totally backs the rapper's right as an artist to speak his mind, and that Ed Sheeran should not be vilified over the row.
The dispute began in September. Macklemore was dropped from the North American leg of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after two opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. At those shows he said "Free Palestine," spoke about Gaza and the West Bank, and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall."
The promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues on the remaining dates would not allow the shows to go ahead with Macklemore on the bill. Robert Kraft confirmed he had barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Kraft cited Macklemore's comments and what he called a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore belonged to the promoter. Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga then left the tour in response to the removal. The Edge praised those artists for stepping away in solidarity. Sheeran later opened a show in Philadelphia by apologising for "mistakes" in how he had handled the situation.
Larry Mullen Jr., U2's drummer, said artists can choose whether to be politically active, and that doing so is a human right. He said U2 will fight for the right to speak your mind, as long as that speech does not incite violence. He also said no billionaire, promoter or owner has the right to censor anybody.
Macklemore has since played three sold-out "Free Palestine" benefit concerts, shows staged to raise money for a cause. They were held in Dublin, Paris and London, with guests including Hozier, Kneecap and Beoga.
Sheeran and U2 worked together on "Yours Eternally," a 2026 single. According to MusicRadar, Sheeran asked U2 "You're not going to get me into politics, are you?" during that project, and was reluctant to get political on the record.
U2's own news arrives on Friday, 13 November. The band's new album, Carnaval De Luz, is their 16th studio album and their first full-length set of new material in nine years. It is due for release that day.
