Who has quit Ed Sheeran’s tour? FULL list of support acts who’ve left singer’s US Loop Tour over Macklemore axe

He also performed his protest track Hind’s Hall. A petition subsequently demanded his exclusion from the remaining shows.

Macklemore has responded to each artist’s withdrawal with a heart emoji and the Palestinian flag on social media. Here are all of the acts who quit the tour in solidarity.

Aaron Rowe

Irish singer Mr Rowe had been lined up as one of Macklemore’s replacements for the remaining US dates. He said on Instagram that he did not take his decision “lightly”.

The Irish singer acknowledged the impact Mr Sheeran had on his career, describing the British artist as a friend who “changed my life”.

However, he said he could not remain silent while wealthy individuals wielded their influence to suppress those speaking out, referring to billionaire venue owner Robert Kraft’s involvement in Macklemore’s departure.

“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children,” he wrote.

Rowe added: “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”

Drawing on Ireland’s own past, he said he needed to honour his ancestors “who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland”.

Beoga

Beoga, who had served as Mr Sheeran’s backing band throughout the tour, announced they too were stepping away from the remaining US dates.

The traditional Irish folk group attributed their departure directly to what they described as “the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies”.

They acknowledged the nature of the opportunity they were leaving behind. “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us,” they wrote.

“To play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us,” the band stated.

Like Mr Rowe, Beoga invoked their heritage, declaring: “We are Irish people who understand colonialism.” The group identified themselves as founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement.

Finneas

Finneas, who was scheduled to join Mr Sheeran not on the US leg but on forthcoming South American dates later this year, also chose to step back.

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His statement read: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Lukas Graham

Lukas Graham, the Danish act who, alongside Mr Rowe, had been due to open for Mr Sheeran at his next concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, expressed gratitude towards the headliner while announcing their withdrawal.

“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge,” the band wrote, once again referring to Mr Kraft.

They called it “a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by”.

Mr Sheeran broke his silence on the controversy in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, insisting the decision to remove Macklemore lay entirely with the Messina Touring Group.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine,” he wrote, noting that the rapper’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him directly.

He revealed that several venues had threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill, naming Mr Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, among those who applied pressure.

Mr Sheeran said he had spent the week attempting to broker a resolution but that “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final”.

“I am not complicit,” he declared, adding that he chooses not to use his platform for political statements because his audiences frequently include children from diverse backgrounds who “do not expect a political forum”.