How Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ Chant Upended Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Tour

During a September 5 concert in New Jersey, rapper Macklemore paused his set to chant “Free Palestine” and voiced support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Within days, the U.S. leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour removed him as the opening act.

Sheeran later explained that several venues and promoters threatened to cancel his upcoming dates unless Macklemore was taken off the bill. He stressed that the decision came from the promoter, not from him personally, and that he had tried to mediate without success.

Following Macklemore’s dismissal, every remaining opening act—Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and others—along with Sheeran’s backing band announced they were leaving the tour in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium and a noted supporter of Israel, was identified as a key figure behind the push to drop Macklemore. At Sheeran’s request, Kraft subsequently pledged a $2 million donation to aid the region.

Sheeran will play solo at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday. Tickets remain on sale and no replacement acts have been announced.

The episode highlights how promoters and venue owners can dictate an artist’s lineup, especially when political statements are involved. A single protest on stage can therefore trigger a cascade of withdrawals, reshaping an entire tour.

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