Ed Sheeran Shuts Out of Irish Radio After Macklemore Tour Fallout

Classic Hits Radio, a Dublin‑based station with reach in Cork, Limerick and Galway, has announced it will not play Ed Sheeran’s music for the foreseeable future. The move follows widespread backlash tied to the recent Macklemore controversy.

With no upcoming Irish tour dates, fans must seek his tracks on Spotify or other digital platforms.

Program director Dave Kelly of Bay Broadcasting told *The Independent* that the decision is not a personal judgment against Sheeran but a reflection of the station’s responsibility to its audience and to Irish artists who make significant professional choices based on their convictions.

Kelly emphasized Bay Broadcasting’s commitment to “peace, humanity and respect” and its support for artists who share strongly held beliefs. He noted the move is aligned with standing alongside Irish musicians amid sensitive political discussions.

The decision appears linked to Aaron Rowe, Ed’s former opening act from Dublin, who withdrew from the tour after Macklemore was removed from the lineup.

Rowe thanked Sheeran for years of support but said as an Irish person he is acutely aware of “genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.” He added, “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.”

Sheeran currently has no scheduled performances in Ireland, leaving fans without radio airplay or live shows.

## Background & Context

Classic Hits Radio, owned by Bay Broadcasting, has long been a staple on the Irish airwaves, reaching listeners from Dublin to Cork and beyond. The station’s programming choices often reflect local tastes and national sentiment. In recent weeks, it found itself at the center of a debate over political expression in music.

The controversy began when Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour lineup. Aaron Rowe, who had opened for Sheeran in Dublin, publicly withdrew after the incident, . Rowe’s statements triggered backlash against Sheeran, prompting radio stations to reevaluate their support.

Dave Kelly emphasized that the decision was not a personal attack but a commitment to listening to audiences and supporting artists with strong convictions. The station highlighted its belief in “peace, humanity and respect,” positioning the move as a stance against silencing dissenting voices.

## What Happens Next

Fans of Sheeran who rely on radio will need to turn to streaming services like Spotify for his music, as the station will not provide any airtime for the foreseeable future. The decision leaves no room for live performances in Ireland, given Sheeran’s current lack of scheduled dates.

The move underscores how political controversies can spill over into commercial decisions, impacting artist exposure even without direct legal action. Bay Broadcasting’s statement signals a broader industry trend toward aligning with national sentiments in times of heightened sensitivity.

At this time, no further changes have been announced, and Sheeran remains free to perform elsewhere. The station’s decision is currently limited to its own broadcast reach and does not affect his global streaming presence.

Sheeran’s absence from Classic Hits Radio highlights the intersection of music, politics, and media gatekeeping in Ireland. Fans now face a choice between official airwaves and digital platforms as the debate over artistic expression continues.