Ed Sheeran tour shakeup: Finneas among artists withdrawing amid Macklemore's firing

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Set us as preferred Numerous music acts have pulled the plug on their upcoming performances with Ed Sheeran in the latest twist of events in the singer’s tour.Grammy winner Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and pop band Lukas Graham announced in separate social media statements shared Tuesday they are withdrawing from Sheeran’s tour and will no longer serve as supporting acts for the “Shape of You” pop star.

Irish folk group Beoga also said on Instagram it will no longer serve as Sheeran’s backing band.The artists announced their exits just a day after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour over his pro-Palestinian messaging onstage earlier this month.

Music Macklemore confirms ‘Ed Sheeran and his team’ decided to remove him from the latter’s tour.The ‘Thrift Shop’ musician faced scrutiny for his onstage support of Palestinians.A representative for Sheeran did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment on Tuesday.

“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,” wrote Finneas, who has been a vocal supporter of Palestinians.

“I stand with Palestine and its people.”Rowe in his Instagram statement acknowledged that Sheeran “has been a friend to me and has changed my life” but that he is sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he wrote.

The “Hey Ma” singer accused elites of leveraging their power to “silence the rightful voices” and criticism of Israel for its deadly attacks on Palestinians.“I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland,” he continued, writing “Free Palestine.”E...