Daily News 19

Tag: Aaron Rowe

  • Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran After Dropping Out of His Tour

    Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran After Dropping Out of His Tour

    Key Highlights

    • Ed Sheeran’s opening act Aaron Rowe publicly urged fans to stop directing hate toward the singer following Macklemore’s departure from the tour.
    • Rowe made the appeal via Instagram despite having himself quit Sheeran’s tour earlier.
    • In a direct statement, Rowe said, “All I keep hearing is Ed…”

    Opening Act Speaks Out Amid Tour Turbulence

    Aaron Rowe, who served as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s recent tour, has taken to social media to ask fans to “pump the brakes” on any hostility directed at the British superstar. The plea comes in the wake of rapper Macklemore’s high-profile exit from the same tour lineup, a development that appears to have sparked backlash toward Sheeran among some concertgoers and online commentators.

    Rowe’s Position: Defending Sheeran After His Own Departure

    Notably, Rowe’s defense of Sheeran arrives despite the fact that Rowe himself is no longer part of the tour. The musician confirmed he had quit the opening slot prior to making his public statement. This detail adds a layer of credibility to his intervention; he is not a current tour employee obligated to protect the headliner, but a former participant choosing to weigh in independently. His message attempts to separate the circumstances surrounding Macklemore’s exit from any perceived fault on Sheeran’s part.

    Direct Appeal to Fanbase

    In an Instagram post addressing the situation, Rowe wrote a candid message to followers. He stated directly: “All I keep hearing is Ed…” The quote, which trails off with an ellipsis in the original post, suggests Rowe was referencing a barrage of criticism or speculation targeting Sheeran’s name in connection with the tour changes. By posting this appeal, Rowe positioned himself as a mediator attempting to de-escalate fan anger based on his firsthand experience.

    Why This Matters

    The incident highlights the intense scrutiny placed on major stadium tours when lineup changes occur, particularly when a high-profile support act like Macklemore departs unexpectedly. Fans often speculate about behind-the-scenes dynamics, and social media can amplify unfounded narratives quickly. Rowe’s intervention—coming from someone who left the tour voluntarily—serves as a rare on-the-record perspective from within the touring ecosystem, attempting to redirect conversation away from personal attacks on the headliner. The situation also underscores the precarious nature of opening slots, where artists navigate their own career pressures while supporting a global star.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Aaron Rowe?
    Aaron Rowe is a musician who was booked as an opening act for Ed Sheeran’s tour. He has since quit the tour.
    Why did Aaron Rowe ask fans to stop hating on Ed Sheeran?
    Rowe made the appeal after Macklemore exited the tour, which appeared to trigger fan backlash directed at Sheeran. Rowe wanted to de-escalate the situation based on his experience.
    Did Aaron Rowe quit the tour because of the Macklemore situation?
    The source does not state the reason Rowe quit the tour, only that he had already quit before making his Instagram statement defending Sheeran.
  • Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Another Support Act as Finneas Exits After Macklemore Dropped From Lineup

    Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Another Support Act as Finneas Exits After Macklemore Dropped From Lineup

    Key Highlights

    • Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in solidarity after Macklemore was removed over pro-Palestine remarks.
    • Macklemore was dropped from remaining U.S. dates after Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, reportedly issued an ultimatum labeling the rapper’s comments “hate speech.”
    • Ed Sheeran stated the decision was made by the promoter, not him, emphasizing he would not abandon fans, crew, or support acts.

    Macklemore’s Removal Sparks Cascade of Artist Withdrawals

    The fallout from Macklemore’s exit from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has expanded rapidly, with four additional acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham — announcing their withdrawal from upcoming dates. The chain of events began after the Seattle-born rapper, whose legal name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, delivered an on-stage appeal to “free Palestine” during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The comments drew sharp criticism and, according to Macklemore, prompted New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — who controls Gillette Stadium, a tour venue — to issue an ultimatum to Sheeran’s camp.

    Promoter’s Decision, Not Sheeran’s, Says Singer

    In a public statement addressing the controversy, Ed Sheeran distanced himself from the decision to remove Macklemore. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me,” Sheeran wrote. He added, “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.” Kraft, for his part, stated he would not provide a platform for “hate speech,” a characterization Macklemore and his supporters strongly dispute.

    Solidarity Withdrawals Cite Moral Obligation

    The first to exit in protest was Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who had been featured on the North American leg. “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” Rowe wrote. “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. FREE PALESTINE.”

    Shortly after, Finneas — the Grammy-winning producer and brother of Billie Eilish — confirmed he would not perform on six scheduled South American dates in late November and early December. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he stated. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

    Irish folk-traditional band Beoga, founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, followed suit. “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,” the group declared. Danish pop band Lukas Graham announced its departure moments later, writing, “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. 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.”

    Why This Matters

    The rapid succession of withdrawals highlights a growing tension in the live entertainment industry between venue stakeholders, promoters, and artists over political expression. The involvement of Robert Kraft — a major NFL owner and stadium operator — underscores how venue ownership can exert leverage over tour logistics and lineups. For Sheeran, one of the world’s highest-grossing touring acts, the situation presents a reputational challenge: he has framed the decision as outside his control, yet the exodus of support acts suggests many artists view continued participation as complicity. The episode also reflects a broader pattern of cultural workers using tour platforms to advocate for Palestinian rights, drawing parallels to historical Irish anti-colonial struggles cited by Rowe and Beoga. With the tour’s South American leg still months away, further lineup changes or promoter responses remain possible.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
    Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates after he called to “free Palestine” during a September 4 show at MetLife Stadium. He alleges Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, gave Sheeran an ultimatum, and Kraft later said he would not provide a platform for “hate speech.”
    Which artists have quit the tour in protest?
    As of the latest announcements, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Finneas (brother of Billie Eilish), Irish band Beoga, and Danish group Lukas Graham have all withdrawn from upcoming tour dates.
    What has Ed Sheeran said about the situation?
    Sheeran stated the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not him, and emphasized he would not let down fans, crew, or other support acts who depend on the tour for their livelihood.
  • Ms. Rachel Slams Ed Sheeran for Dropping Macklemore from Tour

    Ms. Rachel Slams Ed Sheeran for Dropping Macklemore from Tour

    Popular children’s YouTube creator Ms Rachel, known off-screen as Rachel Griffin Accurso, has publicly criticized Ed Sheeran after the singer removed rapper Macklemore as a supporting act for the U.S. leg of his Mathematics Tour.

    Macklemore Removed Following Pro-Palestine Remarks

    The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his set, the rapper voiced support for Palestine on stage. Shortly after, reports emerged that several venues refused to host the scheduled concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.

    On September 15, Sheeran released a statement addressing the decision. He said he had “tried to build a bridge” over the previous week but was ultimately unable to resolve the situation. Sheeran emphasized that dropping Macklemore “was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” He added that while he does not make his personal views public, “it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” explaining that he wants to keep his performances non-political.

    Ms Rachel Condemns Silence on Gaza

    Ms Rachel responded with a series of social media posts condemning Sheeran’s stance. In her statement, she wrote:

    “It’s not wrong to say Palestinian people should be able to be free, and Palestinian kids should be able to grow up.”

    “It’s wrong to be silent during a genocide.”

    She continued her advocacy in subsequent posts, stating:

    “Imagine looking back 20 years from now at yourself kicking someone off a tour because they spoke out during a genocide that has killed over 20,000 kids.”

    Accusations of Double Standards

    Ms Rachel also highlighted what she described as a double standard in Sheeran’s approach to political statements. She noted that the singer previously performed a concert in support of Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion but “considers Palestine too dangerous and political.”

    “Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine,” she wrote.

    “Instead he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it.”

    Second Support Act Withdraws in Protest

    The fallout expanded when Irish performer Aaron Rowe, another support act on the tour, announced he was quitting. Rowe, who credited Sheeran as a friend who “changed my life,” said he could not continue under the circumstances.

    “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.”

    Tour Continues Amid Lineup Changes

    Sheeran’s tour is scheduled to proceed as planned, with the next date set for September 19 in Philadelphia. The singer will now need to fill multiple openings on his supporting lineup following the departures of both Macklemore and Rowe.

    LADbible Group has contacted Ed Sheeran’s representatives for comment.