Macklemore has been dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after the rapper’s onstage “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium sparked a backlash and pressure from venues.
The decision means Macklemore will no longer perform as an opening act on the remaining support dates of Sheeran’s stadium tour. The promoter said keeping him on the lineup could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Fast Facts
- What happened: Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
- Why: His politically themed performance and “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium drew backlash.
- Speech date: September 4, 2026
- Promoter: Messina Touring Group
- Song performed: “Hind’s Hall”
- Remaining tour: Sheeran’s U.S. stadium dates resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
- Macklemore’s scheduled appearances: Eight of the tour’s remaining 10 shows.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour?
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour, said it had been informed by venues that they would not allow shows to go ahead with Macklemore on the lineup.
The promoter said that situation could have forced cancellations and affected hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.
“After discussions with stakeholders,” the promoter said, Macklemore would not perform on the remaining support dates.
The statement did not say that Sheeran personally made the decision to remove Macklemore.
Representatives for both Macklemore and Sheeran were contacted for comment.
What Did Macklemore Say at MetLife Stadium?
Macklemore used his September 4 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to make a political statement about the war in Gaza.
He told the audience that one reason he wanted to join the tour was to use the stadium platform to say “Free Palestine.”
He also said he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.
The comments quickly spread across social media and became the center of a new controversy surrounding his appearances on the tour.
Macklemore Performed ‘Hind’s Hall’
Following his speech, Macklemore performed “Hind’s Hall,” his protest song connected to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Images depicting destruction in Gaza were shown on the stadium screens during the performance.
The song takes its name from Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl whose death became a major focus of international attention. Macklemore released the song in connection with protests at Columbia University.
His performance turned what had been a concert appearance into a politically charged moment that generated headlines well beyond the stadium.
Israeli American Council Petitioned for His Removal
The controversy escalated after the Israeli American Council launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the remaining Loop Tour dates.
The petition argued that the Sheeran concert was intended as a concert rather than a political rally or activist event.
It also said the dispute was not about whether Macklemore had the right to hold political opinions, but about the use of a major concert platform to promote what the group described as a one-sided political agenda.
The petition added to the pressure surrounding Macklemore’s remaining appearances.
Macklemore Was Scheduled for Eight More Shows
Before his removal, Macklemore was booked to perform at eight of the 10 remaining U.S. shows on Sheeran’s stadium tour.
The remaining schedule includes major venues across the country, including:
- Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Other stadium dates on Sheeran’s U.S. run
Sheeran’s remaining U.S. dates are scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
Macklemore will no longer be part of those support performances.
The Speech Triggered a Second Wave of Headlines
Macklemore’s comments initially went viral after the MetLife Stadium performance.
The controversy grew again when singer Pink reposted a call for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.
That social media reaction helped push the issue back into the spotlight as questions grew over whether he would remain on Sheeran’s lineup.
The eventual decision came after venues notified the tour promoter that they would not permit concerts with Macklemore performing.
What Happens to Ed Sheeran’s Tour Now?
The promoter’s statement indicates that the priority was keeping Sheeran’s remaining U.S. stadium shows on schedule.
Rather than risk cancellations because of Macklemore’s participation, the rapper was removed from the remaining support dates.
Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour will therefore continue without Macklemore, beginning with the September 19 Philadelphia show.
The episode also highlights the increasingly complicated relationship between major concert tours and performers using large commercial stages to make political statements.
FAQs
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates after his pro-Palestine speech and performance at MetLife Stadium triggered backlash and objections from venues.
What did Macklemore say at the Ed Sheeran concert?
He repeatedly said “Free Palestine” and said he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.
What song did Macklemore perform after his speech?
He performed “Hind’s Hall” while images of destruction in Gaza appeared on the stadium screens.
Did Ed Sheeran personally remove Macklemore?
The promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues had notified the tour that they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup. The statement did not say Sheeran personally made the decision.
How many Ed Sheeran shows was Macklemore scheduled to perform?
He was scheduled to appear at eight of the 10 remaining U.S. shows.
When does Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour resume?
The remaining U.S. Loop Tour dates are scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
