Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga and Aaron Rowe have all announced their departures, with the artists citing concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of voices speaking about the conflict in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The withdrawals came after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s upcoming shows following remarks he made during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5.
Macklemore used the appearances to express support for Palestinians, including a call to “Free Palestine”. Sheeran subsequently said the decision to remove the rapper from the tour was made by the promoter.
The controversy has since widened into a dispute involving several artists associated with the tour.
Finneas announces withdrawal
Finneas, the Grammy-winning musician and brother of Billie Eilish, announced his decision to leave the remaining tour dates in a brief statement posted on Instagram.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote.
“I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
The statement followed Sheeran’s comments about Macklemore's removal.
Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter rather than by him personally. He also confirmed that he had spoken with Gillette Stadium and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who was among those involved in discussions surrounding Macklemore's removal.
Aaron Rowe cites Ireland’s history
Irish singer and songwriter Aaron Rowe also announced that he would no longer perform on the tour.
Rowe acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Sheeran and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, but said he could not continue performing after what he described as the silencing of voices supporting Palestinians.
“Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough,” Rowe wrote.
He then connected his position to Ireland’s history of colonialism, famine and conflict.
“But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said.
Rowe added that he believed he needed to remain consistent with his personal convictions and the history of those who resisted colonial rule in Ireland.
“I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal,” he wrote.
Lukas Graham also pulls out
Danish pop group Lukas Graham similarly announced that it would withdraw from the remaining dates.
The band argued that artists should be able to discuss war and civilian suffering regardless of nationality or political identity.
“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up,” the group said.
“Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”
The group also thanked Sheeran for the opportunity to perform alongside him, while defending its decision to leave the tour.
Lukas Graham referenced its upbringing in Christiania, the Copenhagen community known for its countercultural traditions, saying that expressing one's views had been part of its environment.
“Having more money didn’t make your opinion worth more than anyone else’s,” the statement said.
Beoga leaves Sheeran’s band
Traditional Irish group Beoga, which has performed with Sheeran and forms part of his live musical setup, also announced its departure from the remaining US dates.
The band said it had made the decision following Macklemore’s removal.
“We have made the decision to depart as Ed Sheeran’s band on the remaining U.S. Loop tour following the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies,” Beoga said.
The group acknowledged the significance of its long relationship with Sheeran and the opportunity to perform in major stadiums.
“We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us,” the statement said.
Beoga added that its relationship with Sheeran would continue despite the decision to leave the tour.
“We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be,” the band said.
It also said it supported dialogue over the situation affecting Palestinians.
Macklemore responds after removal
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, responded to his removal from the tour by saying he had wanted only a limited number of opportunities to speak directly to the large audiences attending Sheeran's shows.
“I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2,” Macklemore wrote.
“Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine.”
The rapper said that losing the platform could nevertheless help draw greater attention to the Palestinian cause.
“But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on,” he wrote.
Macklemore also sought to shift attention away from the artists involved and towards Palestinians affected by the conflict.
“I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim,” he said.
“We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world.”
He added: “The victims are the Palestinian people.”
Macklemore had previously clarified that his comments supporting Palestinians were not intended as a criticism of Jewish people.
Dispute puts spotlight on artists’ political expression
The developments have turned what began as a decision involving one supporting act into a broader debate over the ability of performers to express political views while appearing on major commercial tours.
The artists who have withdrawn have framed their decisions primarily around freedom of expression and solidarity with Palestinians, while Sheeran has maintained that Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision.
The controversy also illustrates the competing pressures faced by artists, promoters, venues and sponsors when political issues enter large-scale commercial entertainment events.
For the remaining Loop Tour dates, attention will now turn to how the lineup is reorganised following the departures and whether further artists respond to the dispute.
The episode has also ensured that Sheeran’s US tour is being discussed not only for its music, but for a wider argument over political speech, artistic independence and the treatment of performers who use major stages to address international conflicts.