All opening acts quit after Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran US tour

All of the opening performers have left Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US concerts after the rapper Macklemore was taken off the bill for voicing pro‑Palestinian views onstage. Sheeran released a statement on Tuesday saying the decision to drop Macklemore came from the tour promoter, not from him personally. Finneas, who is also known as Billie Eilish’s brother, issued a response that artists should not be silenced when they speak for the oppressed. Irish singer‑songwriter Aaron Rowe announced his withdrawal, as did the Danish pop group Lukas Graham. The Irish folk ensemble Beoga, which has been touring with Sheeran, also confirmed they are stepping away. Each act cited the Macklemore removal as the reason for their exit, and no further replacements have been named for the support slots.