Popular singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran began his Loop Tour in January, set to perform 59 shows across North America, South America, and Oceania. It wasn’t until his time in the United States this September that the media focused on the musician when opener Macklemore gave a speech to the crowd, encouraging them to keep their attention on the current genocide in Palestine, as well as advocating for other human rights causes.
Amid the controversy surrounding Sheeran and his venues’ decision to remove Macklemore from the tour due to his vocal support of Palestine, the “Thrift Shop” singer took to Instagram multiple times to further announce his support of Palestinians and his donations toward their refuge. Shortly after, all 3 of Sheeran’s openers and his backing band decided to leave the tour in support of Macklemore.
Most of these acts don’t have the status that Sheeran has in the music world yet, and are slowly growing their fanbase. Due to their presence becoming overshadowed by the larger aspects of the tour, it is important to learn about them and their artistry.
- Aaron Rowe
Aaron Rowe is a singer and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. He started releasing music in 2025, with his style often classified as folk and pop. His debut single “Hey Ma” is about his family and their cultural roots.
In a statement to Instagram on Sept. 15, Rowe stated that “as Irish people we know all too well about genocide,” and that he “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. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.” On Sept. 18, he made another post encouraging fans to focus less on Sheeran’s actions, and instead focus on those of Robert Kraft, the businessman who largely encouraged Macklemore’s departure.
“You should be using this opportunity to plaster Robert Kraft’s face everywhere, someone who tried to shut down free speech, someone who tried to silence the voices of people who are shouting out genocide,” Rowe said.
- Finneas
Best known as Billie Eilish’s brother, Finneas O’Connell is a musician and producer who works closely with his sister on developing her albums. However, he is also a well-established solo artist, and was set to be another one of Ed Sheeran’s openers on the tour. He released his debut EP, “Blood Harmony,” in 2019, and his most recent release is 2024’s album entitled “For Cryin Out Loud!” His genre is usually classified as alternative and pop. Apart from working with his sister, he has also worked with artists like Selena Gomez, Halsey, and Rosalia.
On the same day that Aaron Rowe’s statement was released, O’Connell posted a brief message to his Instagram stating: “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.”
Finneas has been vocal about Palestinian activism prior to the removal of Macklemore, and has not made any other comments since.
- Lukas Graham
Lukas Graham is a pop duo from Denmark who have been releasing music since 2012. Their 2015 song “7 Years” became popular and ended up being nominated for 3 Grammys. “Good Times,” their most recent album, released in August. The lead singer, Lukas Forchhammer, often ties his lyrics to experiences growing up in Christiania, Denmark, an anarchist community in Copenhagen. While largely described as pop, the band also tries to fuse elements of soul and hip-hop into their music as well.
On Sept. 15, an announcement was posted to Instagram sharing their departure from the tour.
“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up,” Forchhammer said. “I grew up in Christiania, a small community in Denmark where speaking your mind was part of everyday life. Having more money didn’t make your opinion worth more than anyone else’s.” The majority of the statement seemed to be targeted towards Kraft, referencing his monetary power.
On Sept. 18, another post was made about their work with PlanBornefonden, a group that works to protect children’s rights, safety, and education. Specifically focusing on the harm towards children in Gaza, they stated that one dollar from every ticket sold at their upcoming shows will be donated to PlanBornefonden.
- Beoga
Beoga is not an opener but instead Ed Sheeran’s backing band. They are from County Kerry, Ireland, and their name translates to “vivid” or “lively” in the Irish language. The group formed in 2002 and went on to release their first album in 2004. They have blended elements of traditional Irish folk with more pop-oriented sounds. Sheeran first collaborated with them in 2016, where the band contributed to his song “Galway Girl” by providing interpolations from their own song titled “Minute 5.” During performances of his song “Nancy Mulligan,” Beoga was the backing band for Sheeran, something that first occurred in Glastonbury in 2017.
Following the pattern of the previous acts’ posts, the Irish act took to Instagram saying that they would be leaving the tour due to “the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies.”
“We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size…playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us,” they said. Additionally, the post called out Robert Kraft by name, claiming that the support for Macklemore’s message is what “terrified” his company.
On Sept. 16, the band followed up their post thanking their followers for support and giving more recognition to the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, highlighting a grassroots aid group, Lemon Tree Collective.
While this tour remains controversial, the amount of attention on these acts allows for their unique styles to be given more public recognition alongside their views on important causes relating to human rights. Many fans and non-fans alike are realizing the significance of an artist who is vocal about what they choose to take a stand for.
