Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's 2026 Loop Tour followed a chain of events that began with political remarks during a New Jersey performance and ended with venue restrictions affecting the remaining U.S. dates.
Quick answer: This article separates the documented timeline, public statements and business decisions surrounding the Ed Sheeran–Macklemore tour dispute, while distinguishing reported facts from claims made by the people involved.
What Macklemore said
During a September performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Macklemore spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank and said “Free Palestine” while introducing his protest song Hind's Hall. Reuters and the Associated Press both reported that the remarks became the immediate backdrop to the tour dispute.
What the promoter said
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg, said venues on upcoming dates had notified the promoter that they would not allow a concert with Macklemore remaining in the lineup. Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining support dates.
Where Robert Kraft fits into the story
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft owns Gillette Stadium, one of the remaining tour venues. Macklemore said Kraft helped rally opposition among venue owners. Kraft later said the decision reflected Macklemore's recent comments and what Kraft described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore has denied that his criticism of Israel is antisemitic.
Those are competing descriptions of the dispute and should not be treated as the same claim. The documented fact is that Macklemore was removed after venues objected to having him on the remaining dates.
How Ed Sheeran described his role
Sheeran said the removal was the promoter's decision, not his, and that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter. He also said he spoke with venues and other parties in an effort to find a solution.
What happened next
The dispute did not end with Macklemore's departure. Remaining support acts Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Finneas announced that they would no longer perform on the tour, while Beoga, who had been performing with Sheeran, also withdrew.
Sheeran's Philadelphia concert then proceeded without the original opening lineup. The episode has since become a broader discussion about performer speech, venue control and the boundaries of political expression at commercial concerts.
Sources
Reuters: Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour
AP: Macklemore removed over pro-Palestinian comments
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Macklemore say at MetLife?
He spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank, said “Free Palestine,” and introduced his song Hind's Hall.
Who said he could not remain on the lineup?
Messina Touring Group said venues on upcoming dates had told the promoter they would not permit the shows with Macklemore.
What did Sheeran say about his role?
Sheeran said the promoter made the decision and that he tried to work with the parties involved on a solution.
Editorial note: Tour dates, lineups and public statements can change. This article should be read alongside the linked primary and independent reporting sources for the latest developments.
