Ed Sheeran Says He Tried to ‘Build a Bridge’ Over Macklemore’s Tour Exit Before Venues Rejected the Rapper
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Four Opening Acts Pulled Out of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ After His Statement
Ed Sheeran has spoken publicly about Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour, emphasizing that the decision came from concert promoters and venue operators rather than from Sheeran himself.
In a lengthy Instagram statement posted Tuesday, the “Shape of You” singer discussed the circumstances surrounding the rapper’s departure. Sheeran also addressed the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, saying he was “appalled” by the violence and calling the suffering experienced by people on both sides “a human tragedy.”
His comments came after Macklemore accused Sheeran and those involved with the tour of pushing him out because of his public support for Palestinians.
The fallout continued after Sheeran’s statement, with four acts scheduled to support him reportedly withdrawing from the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The artists and groups included Irish performers Aaron Rowe and Beoga, as well as Lukas Graham and Finneas.
Sheeran explained that Macklemore originally approached him about joining the tour the previous year. He said he accepted the request because he respected Macklemore’s work as an artist.
“Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist,” Sheeran wrote. “As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.”
Macklemore had offered his own version of events a day earlier. He claimed Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had contacted other stadium owners in an effort to prevent Macklemore from appearing at their venues.
According to Macklemore, the venues allegedly presented Sheeran with an ultimatum: “if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
Sheeran disputed that characterization, saying the situation escalated after Macklemore performed at several New Jersey concerts. He said venues scheduled to host later stops on the Loop Tour subsequently informed organizers that they would cancel their shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” Sheeran wrote.
He said he was told that the venues’ concerns centered on the way Macklemore delivered part of his message during his performance rather than everything he said onstage.
Sheeran added that he spent the week speaking extensively with venue representatives in an effort to resolve the dispute. Robert Kraft was among the people he contacted, he said. Sheeran also said he participated in conversations involving promoters and activists from both sides in hopes of reaching an agreement.
Despite those efforts, Sheeran said the final decision remained with the promoter and venues.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote. “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”
Macklemore had been booked to appear at eight of the remaining U.S. shows on Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Sheeran also explained why he generally keeps politics separate from his professional platform. He pointed to the wide-ranging demographics of his audience, noting that his concerts are attended by young people and children as well as adults.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds,” he wrote.