Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has lost its remaining supporting acts after four performers withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the US leg following pro-Palestinian remarks.
US musician Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga, Sheeran’s longtime touring band, all announced their departures on September 15, 2026.
Their decisions came hours after Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal and said the decision had been made by the tour’s promoter and venues rather than by him.
The departures leave the affected North American dates without the previously announced supporting lineup.
The fallout began after Macklemore used his opening performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to speak about the war in Gaza and express support for Palestinians.
During his September 4 performance, he called for a “Free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall,” his protest song addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict and the treatment of pro-Palestinian protesters.
He also addressed people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, saying they had not been forgotten.
The performance drew criticism from groups including the Israeli-American Council and prompted calls for Macklemore to be removed from Sheeran’s tour.
Several venues subsequently objected to hosting the rapper for upcoming shows. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, eventually removed him from the remaining US dates.
Macklemore had been scheduled to perform on several more dates of Sheeran’s North American stadium run.
Sheeran responded to the controversy on September 15, saying he had attempted to find a way forward but could not prevent Macklemore’s removal.
The British singer said the decision came from the promoter and venues rather than from him.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine.”
Sheeran said he had spoken with people involved in the dispute and tried to “build a bridge” between the different positions.
He also explained that he generally avoids discussing politics from the stage, although he said his decision to remain publicly quiet about political issues should not be interpreted as indifference. The singer said he has personal views about the conflict but prefers not to use his concerts as a platform for political debate.
Finneas was among the first artists to announce his withdrawal.
The Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, who is also the brother and longtime collaborator of Billie Eilish, had been scheduled to support Sheeran on upcoming South American dates.
In announcing his departure, Finneas said artists should be able to speak about the experiences of oppressed people without facing professional consequences.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
His decision extended the fallout beyond the US leg, since Finneas was scheduled to appear during the South American portion of the Loop Tour.
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe also withdrew from the tour. Rowe was scheduled to support Sheeran on upcoming North American dates and said he could not continue with the tour after Macklemore’s removal.
He criticised the use of wealth and commercial influence to determine which artists could speak publicly about the conflict.
Rowe also referenced Ireland’s historical experience with occupation and political struggle while explaining his decision.
Danish band Lukas Graham also announced that it would no longer participate in the tour. The group had been scheduled to support Sheeran on the remaining US dates.
In its statement, the band said it could not continue under circumstances in which it believed an artist had been prevented from speaking about human suffering.
“Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
The band thanked Sheeran while making clear that its decision related to the circumstances surrounding Macklemore’s removal.
The fourth departure came from Beoga, the Irish folk group that has maintained a long association with Sheeran.
Unlike the other artists, Beoga was not simply an opening act. The group has performed with Sheeran during his headline sets and has collaborated with him musically over the years.
Beoga nevertheless announced that it would also withdraw from the remaining tour dates.
Its departure means Sheeran has lost both scheduled opening performers and members of the live musical setup that audiences had seen during the Loop shows.
Sheeran launched the Loop Tour in 2026 in support of his 2025 album Play.
The stadium tour began in Australia and New Zealand before moving through North America and later South America. The show draws heavily from Play while also featuring songs from across Sheeran’s career.
The tour uses Sheeran’s signature live-looping format, with the singer building musical arrangements on stage using guitar, percussion and vocals.
