Ed Sheeran Tour Dispute
Irish Radio Station Removes Ed Sheeran Songs Over Macklemore Tour Dispute
Anonymous
Key Points
1
After the controversy, Macklemore said in an Instagram post that the focus should return to Palestinians “still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom.”
2
Robert Kraft said his decision to bar Macklemore was based on what he called the rapper’s “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that was “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”
3
Aaron Rowe said that Irish people “know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” explaining his solidarity with Macklemore and decision to leave the tour.
4
Classic Hits Radio’s Dave Kelly said the station believed in “peace, humanity and respect” and in the right of people and artists to express and act on their sincerely held views.
Ireland's Classic Hits Radio removed Ed Sheeran's entire music catalog from its playlist on September 17 after listener complaints over his tour's treatment of rapper Macklemore. Classic Hits Radio made the decision citing solidarity with support acts who quit the Loop Tour and listener feedback, though the station said the move was temporary and under review.
The controversy began when Macklemore called for a "free Palestine" at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Stadium owners, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft, pressured Sheeran to drop him from remaining dates. Kraft cited what he called Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery." Macklemore countered that the focus should remain on Palestinians "still being killed, still living under military occupation."
How Macklemore's Palestine Statement Triggered Tour Removal
Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. During his set, he called for a "free Palestine." North Jersey reported that multiple venue operators and stadium owners — including Robert Kraft — then told promoter Messina Touring Group that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at remaining dates.
Sheeran said he did not make the decision himself. "The tour stops and venues made it clear Macklemore would not be allowed to perform," he stated. The British pop star said he tried to find a solution but declined to share his personal views on the underlying conflict publicly.
Kraft's Antisemitism Claim Versus Free Speech Questions
Robert Kraft said his decision to bar Macklemore was based on the rapper's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" that he called "deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." Daily Record noted that Kraft's position raised questions about free speech rights at public venues and who controls artist access to stages.
Macklemore's Instagram post pushed back on the narrative, stating that discussions should refocus on Palestinians "still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom." The dispute highlighted the tension between venue operators' control over performance stages and artists' rights to express political views.
Irish Artists Withdraw in Solidarity With Macklemore
Multiple support acts quit the remaining tour dates in response. Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, plus Finneas and Lukas Graham, all withdrew. Nine reported that Rowe said Irish people "know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," explaining why he stood with Macklemore.
The artist departures triggered a wave of listener feedback in Ireland. Classic Hits Radio's Dave Kelly said the station believed in "peace, humanity and respect" and in artists' right to "express and act on their sincerely held views." That conviction led to removing Sheeran's music from rotation.
Classic Hits Radio's Statement on the Removal Decision
UK Headtopics reported that Classic Hits Radio made clear the removal was not a personal judgment against Sheeran himself. The station emphasized the move was "temporary" and remained "under review," meaning songs could return if circumstances shifted or further listener dialogue changed the station's position.
The incident illustrates how tour politics can ripple across oceans and media landscapes. An artist's treatment of another performer in New Jersey ultimately reshaped playlists at an Irish radio station, demonstrating the global reach of modern music industry disputes and listener activism.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
14
Articles
39
Reach
53
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
