Things go from bad to worse for Ed Sheeran and Macklemore is dropped from Loops tour
Now that Macklemore is no longer part of Ed Sheeran’s Loops tour following his pro-Palestine speeches from the stage, things are getting much, much worse for Sheeran.
First, all three openers on the Loops tour have pulled out in solidarity. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Finneas have all announced that they will not perform.
Second, even Sheeran’s backing back, Beoga, has quit.
Finneas:: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,”I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Lukas Graham: “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them. 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.
“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,” Graham continued. “I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
Aaron Rowe: “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The LOOP’ North American Tour. 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. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”
Beoga: “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people. We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists For Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”
What does Sheeran say? “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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”
