Aaron Rowe Leaves Ed Sheeran Tour in Solidarity With Macklemore and Palestinians

Aaron Rowe, an opening act on Ed Sheeran‘s U.S. tour, has left the trek in solidarity with Macklemore — who was removed from the tour over his stage messaging about Palestine — and the people suffering in Gaza.

In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, Sept. 15, the singer-songwriter stated that he did not take the choice lightly, noting that Ed Sheeran has been a friend who changed his life and that he could never thank him enough.

“But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” Rowe stated. “I 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.”

The musician added, “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 concluded with, “FREE PALESTINE.”

Billboard has reached out to representatives for Sheeran.

Rowe’s exit from the Loop Tour follows controversy that began in early September. During his first two opening performances, which became his last supporting Sheeran, Macklemore called for a free Palestine and stated his belief that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. The United Nations and other human rights groups have also reached this conclusion regarding the Israel-Hamas war, while Israel and allies including the U.S. government deny the claim and maintain that Israel is defending itself following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.

More than 73,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, The Associated Press reported in June, citing the Gaza Health Ministry.

Following Macklemore’s performances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., figures including P!nk called for his removal from the tour, a sentiment amplified in a petition by the Israeli-American Council. On Monday, Sept. 14, Loop Tour U.S. promoter Messina Touring Group announced that Macklemore was dropped after venue owners scheduled to host upcoming Sheeran concerts threatened cancellations.

“There is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed,” Macklemore wrote in response after the news became public. “I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”

Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium where the tour is scheduled to perform later in September, confirmed that he banned the rapper from the venue. In a statement to Billboard, Kraft stated: “Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the Sept. 25 and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line.”

Billboard has reached out to Kraft and Messina Touring for comment.

Rowe announced his departure from the Loop Tour, which he joined on and off starting in February, hours after Sheeran addressed the controversy. Sheeran, who performs “Shape of You,” faced backlash from supporters of Macklemore and Palestinians, including MUNA and Ms. Rachel.

“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” the pop singer wrote Tuesday morning, emphasizing that his tour promoter made the decision to remove Macklemore rather than himself. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said … I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so.”

See Rowe’s post below.