The Last Mixed Tape

Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour has become a much bigger story than one artist’s decision to say “Free Palestine” on stage.

On September 5, Macklemore used his appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to speak publicly in support of Palestine, including a performance of “Hind’s Hall.” The comments sparked backlash and, days later, Macklemore announced that he had been removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour. 

Macklemore said the decision followed pressure from stadium owners, including Robert Kraft. Sheeran subsequently said that removing Macklemore was “the promoter’s decision” and “not mine,” explaining that venues had threatened to withdraw from the tour if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran also defended his decision to keep his concerts politically neutral. 

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga all withdrew from the remaining North American dates. Beoga, the Irish band who have performed with Sheeran for years, were among the artists who refused to continue. 

The controversy has now put something much larger under the microscope: who actually controls what can be said on a stadium stage?

Sheeran has described his concerts as spaces of safety, sanctuary and entertainment rather than political forums. His defence is that remaining outside public political debate allows him to keep those spaces open to everyone.

Macklemore has since pledged his $1 million in net earnings from the tour to Palestinian relief organisations, while Robert Kraft has said that Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian aid. 

Meanwhile, Sheeran’s US tour resumes in Philadelphia on September 19, with the scheduled supporting acts having withdrawn following the Macklemore controversy. 

In this week’s episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White looks beyond the celebrity fallout to examine political speech, commercial power, artistic freedom and the uncomfortable economics of being “apolitical” in the modern music industry.

The Last Mixed Tape is hosted by Stephen White, and is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.