Aaron Rowe is off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. The singer-songwriter announced on Instagram that he’s leaving the trek in solidarity with Macklemore and with Palestinians in Gaza, saying he“would lose all respect”for himself if he carried on as normal.
The shake-up started earlier this month when Macklemore used his opening sets in New Jersey to reaffirm his view that Israel is committing genocide. Venue owners threatened to cancel shows unless he was removed, and Robert Kraft banned him from Gillette Stadium ahead of the Sept. 25 and 26 dates. Sheeran has said his promoter, Messina Touring Group, made the call to drop Macklemore, not him. Rowe praised Sheeran as a friend but said he couldn’t stay silent while billionaires silence those speaking out.
The story has fans split, with some applauding Rowe’s conviction and others arguing tours shouldn’t be political platforms at all. Wherever you land, it’s one of the biggest conversations in music this week. Do you think artists should use their stage to take a stand?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.