Aaron Rowe drops Ed Sheeran tour in dramatic stand for Macklemore

Aaron Rowe, the opening act slated for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming tour, announced that he is withdrawing from the run. The decision was made public through a social‑media post on [platform], in which Rowe said, “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act on” Ed Sheeran’s tour.

He added that the move was taken after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s lineup.

Rowe explained that he does not take the decision lightly, adding, “I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life; I could never thank him enough for this.” The singer highlighted the personal impact of Sheeran’s support on his career.

He also spoke to broader historical concerns, saying, “But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” and that “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.” He warned that he would lose respect for himself if he continued the tour.

## Background & Context

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after the rapper delivered pro‑Palestine comments on stage in New Jersey. , Sheeran stated that the decision to drop Macklemore was driven by stadium owners and promoters refusing to allow him to perform.

Stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, claimed that the removal was based on Macklemore’s “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” The statement suggests a contention between the artist’s political messaging and the venues’ concerns about potential backlash.

Rowe indicated that he would lose all respect for himself if he stayed on the tour, describing his withdrawal as an act of solidarity with Macklemore and a protest against what he perceives as silencing of certain political voices.

## What Happens Next

Rowe will no longer appear on the remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour, effectively ending his role as a support act.

The withdrawal leaves Sheeran’s schedule unchanged for now, but it highlights the broader controversy surrounding artists’ political statements and the potential impact on touring arrangements.

Both parties—Rowe’s open statement and the earlier claims by stadium owners—underscore the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and venue policies. Official responses or further adjustments to the tour have not been announced.

Aaron Rowe’s decision underscores a growing willingness among touring musicians to confront contentious political issues, even at the cost of their own performance opportunities. The situation may prompt further scrutiny of how venue policies influence artist line‑ups during politically charged tours.