Roger Waters slams Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s removal from tour

Roger Waters has criticised Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s removal from his US tour, accusing the singer of allowing the rapper to be dismissed after speaking publicly in support of Palestine.

The Pink Floyd co-founder addressed the controversy in a post on Instagram, where he called Sheeran “a little prick” and questioned his handling of Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after his September 4 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where he chanted “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall.

The decision has since sparked criticism from several public figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who argued that the situation raises wider concerns about the influence of wealthy stadium owners over political speech.

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, has confirmed his involvement in preventing Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium. Macklemore has alleged that Kraft pressured Sheeran and other stadium owners over his participation.

Sheeran has maintained that Macklemore’s removal was not his decision, saying promoters and venues were responsible for the decision. The singer has also said he attempted to mediate the situation.

Waters’ comments add to the growing backlash surrounding Macklemore’s removal, with the dispute increasingly becoming a wider debate over political expression, performers and the power of concert venues.