Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After 2 Palestine Speeches

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21

Macklemore was removed as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after he spoke about Palestine and Gaza at two early-September shows.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, told Sheeran he could not perform there if Macklemore stayed on the lineup, according to the report.
Ed Sheeran said the decision came from venue owners and the tour promoter, adding that he was “not complicit” and had private views on the conflict.
Macklemore issued a public statement after being dropped, and the report says other opening acts and Sheeran’s backing band later left the tour in solidarity.
The episode has widened into a debate over how far major artists can stay publicly neutral when political speech threatens tours, venues and revenue.

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The New York Times17h ago

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Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza, free speech controversy after Macklemore dropped from tour

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With multiple artists walking out in solidarity, could this unprecedented boycott reshape how the live music industry handles political controversies?

Can a headlining pop star successfully remain neutral when their own tour becomes the ultimate battleground for global political debate?

When billionaires control the stages, can musicians ever truly speak their minds without risking their entire careers?