Aaron Rowe quits Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal

Aaron Rowe exits Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after Macklemore's removal, citing support for Palestine and artists' voices

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has withdrawn as a supporting act from Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop tour following the removal of fellow opener Macklemore.

Rowe announced his departure on Instagram, saying he did not make the decision lightly because of his longstanding friendship with Sheeran. He also expressed support for Palestine and said he could not continue with the tour while believing artists’ voices were being silenced.

 

 

 

 

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In his statement, Rowe referenced Ireland’s history with colonisation, famine and conflict while explaining his position. He concluded his message by declaring support for Palestine.

Rowe previously performed as an opening act during the Australian leg of the Loop tour and returned to the bill for the North American dates in June. His departure comes as the tour prepares to resume in Philadelphia on September 19.

Lukas Graham remains scheduled to support Sheeran on the remaining North American dates, while Finneas is set to join the tour for its South American shows in November.

Irish band Beoga also announced that it would leave the Loop tour. The group said it had been friends with Sheeran for more than a decade but remained committed to activism and advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The departures follow Macklemore’s exit from the tour after comments supporting Palestine during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.

Macklemore later accused billionaire businessman Robert Kraft of helping persuade stadium owners to prevent him from continuing on the tour. Sheeran subsequently said the decision was made by promoters and venues and that he was not involved in removing Macklemore.

Sheeran also said he prefers to remain publicly neutral on political issues, while acknowledging the different views surrounding the controversy.