September 15, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Speech

By Radio 854 News | September 15, 2026

Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour after the rapper made outspoken pro-Palestinian comments during his opening performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

During his September 4 performance, Macklemore addressed the crowd and said that one of the reasons he wanted to join Sheeran’s tour was to use the large stadium audiences to say two words that were important to him: “Free Palestine.” He also said he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.

Macklemore subsequently faced criticism from some Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy groups. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for him to be removed from the tour, while other critics accused the rapper of bringing a political message into a major concert event.

The rapper defended his position during another MetLife Stadium performance, saying that criticism of the Israeli government and opposition to what he described as apartheid and genocide should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He said his message was about peace, love, dignity and equality for all.

Venues reportedly objected

According to Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s U.S. tour, several venues informed organizers that they would not allow Macklemore to perform at upcoming shows. The promoter said allowing him to remain on the lineup could have resulted in concerts being cancelled, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Following discussions with those involved in the tour, Macklemore was removed from the remaining support dates. He had been scheduled to appear at eight of Sheeran’s remaining ten U.S. concerts, beginning with the September 19 show in Philadelphia.

Macklemore speaks out

Macklemore later said that he and Ed Sheeran had several difficult conversations about the situation. He expressed disappointment over the decision but indicated that he hopes it will not end his friendship with Sheeran.

The rapper has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian causes for several years and released the protest song “Hind’s Hall” in 2024. He has made it clear that the controversy will not stop him from continuing to speak about the situation in Gaza.

Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on the decision. The U.S. leg of his Loop Tour is scheduled to continue with other opening acts, including Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe.

The controversy has once again highlighted the difficult balance artists face between political expression, freedom of speech and the expectations of audiences, promoters and concert venues.