Ed Sheeran's Tour Faces Withdrawals After Macklemore's Exit

Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has experienced a mass withdrawal of its supporting acts following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the remaining US dates. On September 15, 2026, Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and the Irish folk band Beoga announced their departures, citing concerns over Macklemore's exit and expressing support for his stance on Palestine.

Finneas stated that artists should be able to speak about issues affecting oppressed people, while Aaron Rowe, despite calling Sheeran a friend, referenced Ireland’s history of famine and colonialism in his support for Palestine. Beoga described its decision as a protest against what it termed the “silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.” Lukas Graham echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that artists should be able to discuss civilian suffering without financial repercussions.

The withdrawals followed Sheeran's clarification that Macklemore's removal was not his decision, as promoters and venues insisted on his exit to proceed with the shows.