Why Macklemore Was Removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour

Macklemore’s on‑stage remarks in New Jersey, where he called for a Palestinian state, triggered a backlash that reached the Loop Tour’s venues.

Ed Sheeran posted on Instagram that after Macklemore’s New Jersey shows, several venues told him they would pull their concerts if the rapper stayed on the bill. Sheeran said he was “appalled” by the conflict and respected Macklemore as an artist.

The U.S. leg’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, later confirmed that venues had informed them they would not allow a concert with Macklemore on the lineup, and that decision forced his removal from the remaining dates.

Sheeran clarified that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, not with him personally, stressing that the line‑up change was not his own decision.

In his statement, Sheeran mentioned speaking with Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner who also controls Gillette Stadium. Macklemore later claimed Kraft rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum that he could not perform at their venues.

The episode shows how an artist’s political stance can clash with venue policies and promoter decisions, affecting not only the headliner but also fans and the touring crew who rely on the shows for work.

Ultimately, the removal of Macklemore illustrates that concert line‑ups are subject to external pressures from venue owners and promoters when politics enters the arena.

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