Ed Sheeran’s tour faces uncertainty after Macklemore fallout

Life Stadium and said “Free Palestine” during his set. Macklemore was subsequently removed from the tour by promoter Messina Touring Group.

The Financial Times reported that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft not be allowed to perform at upcoming dates at Gillette Stadium. matter, Kraft also warned that other NFL stadium owners could cancel Sheeran’s scheduled shows if Macklemore remained on the tour. Following Macklemore’s departure, several other supporting acts also withdrew.

Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe quit in protest, while Irish band Beoga, which performs with Sheeran, also dropped out. Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking up for oppressed people. The fallout has also placed renewed attention on Sheeran’s longstanding decision to avoid public political positions.

Macklemore argued that the singer’s public neutrality had become difficult to maintain, while Sheeran said he has personal views about the conflict but chooses not to express them publicly. Sheeran has instead sought to focus on humanitarian aid, pledging $2 million for relief in the region and asking Kraft to match the donation.

Kraft said Sheeran planned to approach other venue owners as part of an effort to “build bridges”. The Financial Times reported that cancelling a stadium show could cost Sheeran an estimated $5 million to $7 million per date, -industry business manager Bill Zysblat.