Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium run is continuing, but the bill fans see on upcoming dates has shifted dramatically after a high-profile dispute over a guest performer’s onstage politics. The fallout has left promoters, venue owners and several opening acts scrambling to reshape the remainder of the Loop Tour.
The controversy escalated following a Sept. 4 appearance by rapper Macklemore, who voiced support for Palestinian causes during a set at MetLife Stadium. Within days, venues raised objections to his participation and multiple supporting acts removed themselves from the tour — prompting the promoter to confirm changes that affect thousands of ticketholders.
Where Macklemore will not appear
Promoters and venue operators told the tour’s organizer that they would not permit dates to proceed with Macklemore on the bill, a decision that would have forced wider cancellations. The issue gained particular attention after reports that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — whose Kraft Group controls Gillette Stadium — opposed the rapper performing at that site.
| Date | What happened | Immediate consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4, 2026 | Macklemore wore a kaffiyeh and said “Free Palestine” while performing a protest song at MetLife Stadium. | Venue objections and public attention intensified. |
| Mid-September, 2026 | Several upcoming stadiums informed the promoter they would not allow a concert featuring Macklemore. | Promoter warned that shows could be canceled if the lineup did not change. |
| Following days | Macklemore was removed from remaining U.S. dates and multiple opening acts withdrew in solidarity or for other reasons. | Remaining shows continue with revised support; fans face lineup changes or possible refunds. |
Which supporting acts have stepped away
Several scheduled openers announced they would no longer participate in the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s tour. Notable names include:
- Finneas O’Connell — singer-songwriter and producer closely associated with Billie Eilish.
- Lukas Graham — Danish pop-soul outfit known for “7 Years.”
- Beoga — an Irish band that blends folk traditions with contemporary sounds.
- Aaron Rowe — Irish singer-songwriter with a growing catalog of singles.
Promoters and artists gave different reasons for withdrawing, ranging from logistical concerns to public statements of principle. The departures reshuffle the live lineups fans expect to see and put pressure on booking teams to fill gaps quickly.
What Macklemore said and why it matters now
At MetLife Stadium, Macklemore — born Benjamin Haggerty — performed a protest song and publicly voiced support for Palestinian rights, declaring “Free Palestine” to the crowd while wearing a kaffiyeh. The moment pushed a political flashpoint into a major pop tour, forcing venues and corporate partners to weigh reputational and operational risks.
The broader significance is immediate: stadiums often operate under complex contracts and sponsorship relationships, and when a performer’s comments or symbolism clash with those stakeholders, venues may assert control over who appears on their stages. That dynamic played out quickly in this case, affecting remaining dates across the tour.
Promoter and venue response
Messina Touring Group, which promoted the U.S. leg, said venues had informed them they would not permit concerts to go on with Macklemore listed, and that continuing without changes would jeopardize the shows and the fans who bought tickets.
In response, Macklemore accused Kraft of rallying other stadium owners to block his participation. Venue owners have cited safety, contractual obligations and community concerns when explaining their decisions, though public statements vary by site.
For ticket holders, the immediate practical issues are simple: confirm the revised lineup with the venue or ticket vendor, watch for any announcements about refunds, and expect short-notice changes to opening acts.
What comes next
The tour itself will go on, but with a different supporting roster than originally advertised for a number of dates. Organizers now face a narrow window to secure replacements or adjust showrun logistics. For fans, the question is whether these changes will alter the concert experience and whether any remaining dates are at risk of cancellation.
Beyond logistics, the episode highlights ongoing tensions between artists’ public political expressions, venue governance, and commercial partnerships — an interplay that industry stakeholders are likely to revisit as tours and live events continue through the season.
Key takeaways:
- As of mid-September 2026, Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
- Multiple opening acts have withdrawn in the aftermath; promoters are working to reorganize support slots.
- Venue objections, including opposition linked to Gillette Stadium ownership, were central to the decision.
- Fans should check official channels for updates, lineup changes and refund policies before attending.
