Ed Sheeran’s Tour Loses Finneas, Aaron Rowe and More After Macklemore Removal
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is facing a major lineup shake-up after Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga announced they were withdrawing from upcoming performances following Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
The artists announced their departures Tuesday, September 15, expressing solidarity with Macklemore and support for Palestine. Their decisions came after Macklemore was dropped from the U.S. tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made while performing at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The original New York Post report states that Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga had been scheduled for Sheeran’s U.S. dates, while Finneas was due to perform during the South American portion of the tour.
Independent reporting from Reuters, The Guardian, CBS News and other outlets confirms the withdrawals and Sheeran’s explanation that the decision to remove Macklemore ultimately came from the tour promoter and venues rather than from him personally.
Finneas Withdraws From Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
Finneas, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer known for his work with his sister Billie Eilish, announced that he would no longer perform on Sheeran’s upcoming South American dates.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote in his announcement, adding that he stood with Palestine and its people.
Finneas had been scheduled to join Sheeran for six South American dates in November, according to The Guardian. His withdrawal extended the fallout beyond the remaining U.S. shows and into another leg of the Loop Tour.
The New York Post also reported Finneas’ decision and his statement of support for Palestinians.
Aaron Rowe Says He Could Not Continue With the Tour
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe was among the first supporting artists to announce his departure.
Rowe emphasized that he appreciated the opportunity Sheeran had given him and said he did not make the decision lightly.
However, he argued that continuing with the remaining shows would conflict with his beliefs following Macklemore’s removal.
Rowe said he could not stand by while wealthy figures used their influence to silence people speaking about what he described as an Israeli genocide and the killing of children. The characterization of the conflict in his statement reflects Rowe’s own words and position.
According to The Guardian, Rowe had been scheduled for the remaining North American dates.
Lukas Graham and Beoga Also Pull Out
Danish pop band Lukas Graham separately announced that it would no longer participate in the tour.
Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer said the group believed people should be able to discuss war, civilian deaths and children affected by conflict regardless of nationality. He also argued that wealth should not determine who is allowed to participate in public conversations.
The band described its withdrawal as a difficult decision, according to the source material.
Beoga also withdrew.
The traditional Irish group had a particularly significant role because it was not simply another conventional opening act. CBS News reported that Beoga had been performing several songs with Sheeran during his concerts, including music the band had helped write.
Beoga said its members remained friends with Sheeran but opposed what they described as the silencing of Macklemore. The group also expressed support for dialogue regarding Palestinians.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour?
The dispute began after Macklemore used his opening appearances on Sheeran’s tour to voice support for Palestinians.
During a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore told the audience that he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten before saying “Free Palestine,” The Guardian reported.
The New York Post source states that Macklemore also appeared wearing a keffiyeh and used the phrase during his performance.
The comments prompted objections and pressure from some venue owners.
Reuters reported that venues refused to host shows involving Macklemore and that Sheeran attempted to mediate before the rapper was removed from the lineup.
Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, said his objection involved what he characterized as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery from Macklemore that had been offensive and hurtful to Jewish people. Kraft said he would be willing to discuss the issue with the rapper.
That context is important because the parties involved have offered different interpretations of why Macklemore’s appearances became unacceptable to certain venues.
Ed Sheeran Says Removing Macklemore Was Not His Decision
Sheeran has publicly distanced himself from the decision to remove Macklemore.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote in a statement, according to The Guardian.
Reuters similarly reported that Sheeran said the decision came from promoters and venues rather than him.
The singer said he had spent time trying to find a solution and described himself as deeply troubled by the suffering caused by the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Sheeran also explained that he did not want to cancel the shows because doing so would affect fans who had already made plans as well as crew members, musicians and others whose livelihoods depend on the tour.
He has maintained that his concerts are intended to bring people together rather than serve as political events. Reuters reported that Sheeran characterized his approach as one centered on unity while keeping many of his political views private.
What Happens to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Now?
The withdrawals create an immediate logistical challenge for the Loop Tour.
Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham had been expected to perform on remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga had been appearing with Sheeran during his own sets. Finneas’ departure affects the planned South American leg later in the year.
As of the latest reporting, Sheeran’s tour itself has not been canceled.
Reuters reported that the Loop Tour was scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
The larger question is how Sheeran and his touring team will adjust the supporting lineup following several departures in quick succession.
For now, the episode has transformed what began as controversy over Macklemore’s comments into a wider dispute involving artistic expression, venue control and political speech in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which artists have dropped out of Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham announced they were withdrawing from upcoming appearances. Irish group Beoga, which had also been performing with Sheeran during his shows, withdrew as well.
Why did Finneas leave Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking in support of oppressed people and announced that he was withdrawing from his scheduled dates while expressing support for Palestine.
Why was Macklemore removed from the Loop Tour?
Macklemore’s removal followed controversy over pro-Palestinian comments he made during performances. Sheeran said promoters and venues ultimately made the decision to remove him after some venue owners objected to his continued participation.
Did Ed Sheeran personally fire Macklemore?
Sheeran has said he did not make the final decision. He stated that Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision and said he had tried to find a solution before the lineup change.
Is Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour canceled?
The reporting reviewed for this article does not indicate that the Loop Tour itself has been canceled. Reuters reported that the tour was scheduled to resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
SOURCE / ATTRIBUTION: New York Post, David DeTurris, published September 15, 2026 and updated September 16, 2026. Additional verification: Reuters, The Guardian, CBS News and The Washington Post.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images; AP Photo/Evan Agostini; Kevin Mazur/WireImage for MTV; Redferns — credits attached to individual photographs in the supplied New York Post source.
