Ed Sheeran’s ‘LOOP’ tour loses remaining openers after Macklemore exit

Ed Sheeran's LOOP North American tour is losing nearly its entire opening lineup. FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe have all withdrawn from the remaining dates following Macklemore's removal from the tour after the rapper's public comments in support of Palestine. Sheeran's longtime backing band, Beoga, has also announced that it will no longer participate in the trek.

FINNEAS was the first of the remaining openers to announce his departure, writing that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed." He added, "I stand with Palestine and its people."

Graham similarly framed his decision around the right of artists to speak about the ongoing conflict. "We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up," he wrote. "Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them." He went on to argue that financial power should not determine "who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge."

Graham also emphasized that his decision was not a rejection of Sheeran personally. "I love Ed, and I'm grateful for everything we've shared. That hasn't changed," he wrote. "But I can't put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We're withdrawing from the remaining dates."

Rowe likewise announced his departure while expressing gratitude toward Sheeran, whom he described as a friend who had changed his life. But he said his Irish background made the situation impossible to ignore. "As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," Rowe wrote.

The departures follow Sheeran's own statement Tuesday addressing Macklemore's removal. Sheeran said he had attempted to find a resolution that would allow Macklemore to remain on the tour, but ultimately was unsuccessful. He also defended his decision not to publicly outline his own views on the conflict.

"I am not complicit," Sheeran wrote. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care."

With Macklemore, FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and now Beoga all out, Sheeran's remaining LOOP dates will continue without the lineup originally announced for the tour.