Ed Sheeran Insists Macklemore Tour Dismissal Was ‘Promoter’s Decision, It Was Not Mine’

(Screengrab via X)

Ed Sheeran insisted in a statement shared Tuesday that the decision to remove Macklemore from his 2026 tour was the “promoter’s decision, not mine.”

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran began. “The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.”

He continued:

Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing. After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.

Sheeran added that he was told this was due to “how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.”

He also said he was “involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides” to attempt to find “mutual resolution,” but he found that “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”

“Macklemore coming off the tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran added.

He concluded, “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

Macklemore was scheduled to open for Sheeran in eight of his final 10 tour dates.

“As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans,” promoter Messina Touring Group said in a statement to Rolling Stone Monday. “After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.”

The decision appeared to be in response to a Sept. 4 performance in New Jersey. “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine.’ I said, ‘Free Palestine!’” Macklemore told the audience.

“I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them,” he also said.

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