All the support singers and bands on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have left the tour. They left after the tour company removed US rapper Macklemore. At two shows in New Jersey in September, Macklemore said, “Free Palestine.” He also showed pictures of the war in Gaza. Some Jewish groups and concert places complained about this. The tour company said some places would not let Macklemore perform.

Singer Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Irish band Beoga then left the tour. They said singers must be free to speak about people who suffer in war. Sheeran said he did not choose to remove Macklemore. He said the tour company made the choice. He also said he feels very sad about the deaths and pain in Israel and Gaza, but he does not want to talk about politics at his concerts.

The war started after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023. About 1,200 people died, and Hamas took 251 people away. Israel then started a military attack in Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 73,780 people have died there. Sheeran plans to continue his US tour for his fans and workers, but he now has no support acts. The tour company may need to find new singers and bands for the next shows.