Ed Sheeran music pulled from Irish radio station after Macklemore tour controversy

Ed Sheeran is facing another public fallout from the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his LOOP TOUR, with Irish station Classic Hits Radio confirming that it has removed his music from its playlist.

The station announced that Sheeran’s songs would be taken off its playlist for the foreseeable future. Classic Hits Radio said the decision followed feedback from listeners about the events surrounding the tour and the withdrawal of Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga.

Dave Kelly, group programme director at Bay Broadcasting, said the decision had been carefully considered and was not intended as a personal judgement on Sheeran. He also acknowledged the singer’s explanation that the decision to remove Macklemore from the remaining US dates was made by the tour promoter rather than Sheeran himself.

Classic Hits Radio said it recognised that people held differing views about the dispute, but decided that removing Sheeran’s music was appropriate after considering the reaction from its audience and the decisions made by Irish artists involved with the tour. The station said the decision would remain under review.

The move follows Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s LOOP TOUR after the rapper made pro Palestinian comments during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Sheeran subsequently said venue restrictions and the promoter’s decision were responsible for Macklemore leaving the tour.

The controversy intensified when all four supporting acts scheduled for upcoming dates withdrew. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga each announced their departures, with their statements expressing support for Macklemore or concerns about the circumstances surrounding his removal.

Macklemore has since pledged his $1m net earnings from the tour to organisations providing aid to Palestinians. Robert Kraft has also committed $2m after saying Sheeran contacted him about contributing to humanitarian efforts.