Daily News 19

Tag: Ed 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    • Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in solidarity after Macklemore was removed over pro-Palestine remarks.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.
  • Finneas Drops Out of Ed Sheeran Tour in Solidarity with Macklemore

    Finneas Drops Out of Ed Sheeran Tour in Solidarity with Macklemore

    Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour has lost another opening act, with Finneas O’Connell announcing his departure from the remaining North American dates. The move comes just weeks after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following controversial remarks he made during a pro-Palestine rally in Seattle.

    Finneas Exits Tour Citing Scheduling Conflicts

    Finneas, the Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist known for his work with sister Billie Eilish, confirmed he would no longer serve as a supporting act for Sheeran’s stadium run. In a statement shared to social media, Finneas wrote: “Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with my own project timelines, I’m unable to continue as support on the remaining Ed Sheeran tour dates. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one I have to make for my own creative path.”

    The announcement leaves Sheeran without two high-profile openers in quick succession, raising questions about the tour’s support bill for its final leg across the United States and Canada.

    Macklemore Removed After “Free Palestine” Chant

    The instability follows the removal of Macklemore, who had been scheduled to open several shows earlier this summer. The Seattle rapper was dropped after video surfaced of him leading a “Free Palestine” chant at a pro-Palestinian protest in his hometown. Sheeran’s team later confirmed the decision in a brief statement, saying the tour “aims to remain a non-political space for music and connection.”

    Macklemore responded on Instagram, writing: “I stand by what I said. Art and activism have always been inseparable for me. I have no regrets.”

    Tour Continues Amid Lineup Shifts

    Despite the turnover, Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour continues its North American stadium run through September. The British singer-songwriter has not announced replacement openers for the affected dates. Ticket holders for shows originally featuring Finneas or Macklemore have been notified that the main performance schedule remains unchanged.

    Industry observers note the unusual frequency of opener changes on a major stadium tour, though representatives for Sheeran insist the transitions are logistical rather than political.

  • 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.

  • Macklemore Responds After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Onstage Comments

    Macklemore Responds After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Onstage Comments

    Macklemore has responded after being removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his onstage remarks about the war in Palestine. The rapper’s call to “free Palestine” also drew criticism from pop star Pink, which he addresses in his statement. Pink, who was born to a Jewish mother, said she would “keep speaking out” despite being “hurt” by backlash after reposting criticism of Macklemore’s speech.

    Macklemore’s Full Statement

    In a lengthy Instagram post, Macklemore wrote:

    “I’m going to speak from the heart and share the truth.

    “Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour.

    “But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious. In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.

    “The victims are the Palestinian people. The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence. More than 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza alone. People are being killed today, and people will be killed tomorrow. I want to make sure that as I tell this story, we don’t lose sight of that.”

    Context Behind the Tour Removal

    Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last week. During that performance, he told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten amid the conflict with Israel.

    The conflict escalated following the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza. More than 73,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then.

    Pressure from Stadium Owners

    Macklemore’s statement continues with details about the pressure applied to Sheeran:

    “Last Monday, in the middle of all the media attention surrounding Pink and what I said at MetLife, Ed told me that Robert Kraft called him. We were scheduled to play Gillette Stadium later this month, which is owned by the Kraft Group. Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.

    “Ed was in a ****** up position. He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before. He told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with. I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn’t get past his public facing: I don’t take sides.

    “And I get why people don’t. Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed. When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn’t leave you in the middle.”

    Previous Comments on Jewish Community

    Macklemore previously said his criticism of Israel is “in no way a criticism” of his “Jewish brothers and sisters” and that he is fighting for “equality.”

  • Ed Sheeran shares points in seven-year marriage in uncommon look into non-public life



    Ed Sheeran simply launched a complete bunch of recent songs for his newest album and a few of these lyrics have gotten folks pondering he is speaking about his non-public life.

    His latest album, Play, launched earlier this yr however it simply obtained a deluxe version with much more materials in it and a number of the songs include lyrics concerning the struggles concerned with juggling married life and his profession.

    Sheeran, 34, wrapped up his +−=÷× Tour (it is pronounced ‘Arithmetic’) in September of this yr, having kicked issues off all the way in which again in 2022.

    September additionally noticed the discharge of Play, and within the deluxe version he seems to stipulate a number of the stresses being on tour may have on household life.

    Within the tune ‘Regrets’ there are some lyrics that includes a father telling his youngsters that he missed out on rather a lot whereas on tour and needs to make it as much as them.

    Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn obtained married in 2019 (JMEnternational/Getty Photos)

    “You’re too younger to grasp that Daddy’s coming residence. Each time I depart the home, you suppose I’m endlessly gone,” he sings.

    “Guess it’s from the hundred calls, goodnights on the phone. See this tour, I’ve gotta get it executed, however why although? Missed out on a lot, I really want to make it up.”

    Sheeran and his spouse Cherry Seaborn have two daughters, Lyra, 5, and Jupiter, 3.

    In the meantime, within the monitor ‘Warfare Sport’, Sheeran sings about feeling ‘deflated’ and that his love is ‘not sufficient’, however he nonetheless reckons the apple of his eye is ‘all I would like’.

    The music goes: “Daily we really feel deflated. Tryna roll with all of the adjustments. Actuality of what we’ve created.

    “There’s nobody above or beneath you, you might be all I would like. However I really feel that it’s not sufficient, to simply give you my love.”

    Regardless of his latest music lyrics he says he is discovered the ‘excellent stability’ between his profession and household life (Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Photos for The Met Museum/Vogue)

    Then there’s the music ‘Issues’, the place because the title suggests he talks about points folks have not labored out an answer to.

    “Flowers in our backyard are dying. When did the water run dry? Who can inform? However you need the reality, we’re not fantastic. We obtained issues, and we don’t know how one can resolve them.”

    Sheeran and Seaborn married in 2019, with their relationship beginning in 2015 although they’d identified one another since childhood, and his music ‘Good’ is devoted to her.

    Whereas a number of the music lyrics may make you suppose he is obtained some issues, Sheeran told a latest episode of Final Meals that he truly has stability between touring and his non-public life and might be bringing them together with him on his upcoming Loop Tour.

    He mentioned: “My women have been on tour with me since [the] begin of Arithmetic, I really feel like my life solely works after we’re collectively.”

    Sheeran mentioned ‘my household life takes precedent’ and he is managed to strike the ‘excellent stability’ as a result of his profession has reached some extent the place he can match the tour round his household life.

  • Ed Sheeran misplaced ‘means to see’ after smoking with Snoop Dogg



    Now I am by no means one to encourage drug use, but when Snoop Dogg presents you some weed then you definately’re most likely unlikely to show him down.

    Ed Sheeran could be sober from medicine and alcohol now, however he is actually had loads of enjoyable prior to now, if his newest story with Snoop Dogg is something to go by.

    The ‘Azizam’ singer has beforehand shared the second that he determined to stop the booze for good, whereas he additionally binned the cigarettes, so it appears clear that he is dedicated to a more healthy way of life.

    Nevertheless, earlier than the UK star turned a father, he doubtless loved the lifetime of a world-famous musician, together with a smoking session with the legendary rapper, who can maybe solely be out-smoked by a number of different celebrities, naming the likes of Bob Marley and Willie Nelson on his Mount Rushmore of pot people who smoke.

    Sheeran and Snoop are good mates (Kevin Mazur/Getty Photos for TIME)

    Ed not too long ago took to TikTok to share a video of him and Snoop, as they each loved delicacies of various legality (crisps for Ed and weed for Snoop).

    He wrote: “Final time I smoked with Snoop I misplaced the flexibility to see,” Sheeran captioned the clip, to which Snoop replied within the feedback: “Whatup Ed!!”

    Whereas it is pretty frequent on your eyes to show crimson after smoking weed, together with some questionable judgements and cravings, it is uncommon for somebody to smoke a lot that they go quickly blind.

    However that was the case for the Ipswich entertainer, who has beforehand shared extra particulars concerning the incident, which additionally concerned Russell Crowe.

    @edsheeran

    Final time i smoked with snoop i misplaced the flexibility to see

    ♬ Azizam – Ed Sheeran

    Talking on the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend in October 2023, Ed stated: “I used to be within the dressing room, and so they’re simply [smoking] blunt for blunt for blunt for blunt, and I’m like, I suppose in some unspecified time in the future throughout the night time I’ve to, simply to be like, ‘I smoked with Snoop Dogg.’

    “So I’ve a bit, and I used to be like, ‘I don’t really feel too dangerous. That is good.’ Then I’ve a bit extra, after which I’ve a bit extra, after which I’ve a bit extra. I simply bear in mind him and being like, ‘I can’t see proper now.’”

    Ed Sheeran on The Tonight Present with Jimmy Fallon (Todd Owyoung/NBC through Getty Photos)

    Snoop has most likely constructed up a little bit of a resistance to the drug after so lengthy smoking it, so for Ed to have one in every of his first experiences alongside the rapper is very similar to making your skilled debut within the World Cup Last.

    Happily, for everybody concerned, Ed’s sight got here again not lengthy after, though it is simple to see (no pun supposed) why he is stayed away from it lately after that scary expertise.

    If you’d like pleasant, confidential recommendation about medicine, you possibly can speak to FRANK. You possibly can name 0300 123 6600, textual content 82111 or contact by means of their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week

  • Ed Sheeran shares second he determined to ‘cease consuming’ after dialog along with his spouse

    Ed Sheeran shares second he determined to ‘cease consuming’ after dialog along with his spouse



    Ed Sheeran has revealed the second that made him ‘cease consuming and smoking’.

    The 34-year-old artist, who has a brand new album coming this yr, just lately appeared on The Tonight Present Starring Jimmy Fallon and gave followers an extract from considered one of his soon-to-be-released songs.

    

    Sheeran appears to be on a mission to surrender something that could possibly be doubtlessly unhealthy for you, given he has beforehand owned as much as having not owned a cell phone for the previous 10 years.

    Whereas the ‘Form of You’ hitmaker may be seen because the lifetime of the celebration, as soon as noticed handing out drinks to others at a bar, he confirmed to a fan on social media earlier this week that he is given up pints for good, and it began after an sincere dialog along with his spouse Cherry Seaborn.

    After watching a clip of Sheeran on the US speak present, one fan wrote: “Attractive music. However what deal did he make with the satan to age in reverse like that?”

    As per The Mirror, Sheeran replied: “I ended consuming and smoking, does wonders.”

    In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, the star opened up concerning the dialog he had along with his spouse that led to him making the choice.

    Sheeran said: “Two months earlier than Lyra was born, Cherry stated, ‘If my waters break, do you actually need another person to drive me to the hospital?’ As a result of I used to be simply consuming quite a bit. And that is when it clicked. I used to be like, ‘No, truly, I actually do not.’ And I do not ever need to be p****d holding my child. Ever, ever.”

    Ed Sheeran has opened up concerning the second that made him ‘cease consuming and smoking’ (Bryan Bedder/Getty Photographs for Disney+)

    “Having a few beers is one factor. However having a bottle of vodka is one other factor. It is only a realisation of, ‘I am moving into my thirties,” he continued. “Develop up! You’ve got partied, you’ve got had this expertise. Be proud of that and simply be achieved.

    “I really like purple wine, and I really like beer. I do not know any previous rockers that are not alcoholics or sober, and I did not need to be both.”

    Sheeran additionally took inspiration from his spouse to get in higher form, as she likes to run and would not drink an excessive amount of.

    Talking in an interview for the Hay Home Chasing the Current Summit in 2020, he explained: “She workouts quite a bit, so I began occurring runs together with her. She eats fairly healthily so I began consuming fairly healthily. She would not drink that a lot so I wasn’t consuming. I feel that each one modified issues.”

    Ed Sheeran and his spouse Cherry Seaborn (JMEnternational/Getty Photographs)

    Sheeran and Seaborn welcomed their first daughter, Lyra, in August 2020, whereas their second little one Jupiter was born two years later.

    The singing sensation is not the one Hollywood title to embrace sobriety, with Tom Holland notably launching his personal alcohol-free beer Bero, whereas Anne Hathaway has admitted that she’s gone greater than 5 years with out a drink.