Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has criticized Ed Sheeran over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s “Loop Tour”.
Waters, who has publicly supported Palestine, shared a video on Instagram addressing the controversy. In the clip, he divided people into 2 categories, praising Macklemore for “doing the right thing” before criticizing Sheeran and those he said “do the wrong thing”.
The comments followed Macklemore’s removal from the tour after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during 2 performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. He told audiences that people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten and called for freedom for Palestinians.
Macklemore later said he had been told that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had contacted Sheeran over his participation in the tour. He also alleged that Kraft approached other stadium owners in an effort to prevent him from performing.
Kraft has said he opposed providing Macklemore a platform over what he described as hate speech. Macklemore has denied allegations of antisemitism while continuing to defend his criticism of Israel.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said several venues had indicated that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform, potentially putting Sheeran’s concerts at risk of cancellation. He was subsequently removed from the remaining support dates.
Sheeran has denied personally making the decision. In a statement, he said the decision came from the promoter and venues, noting that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter.
“I am not complicit,” Sheeran wrote, adding that he has personal views on the Israel-Palestine conflict but has chosen not to express them publicly.
Sheeran said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak out but wanted his concerts to remain politically neutral spaces focused on bringing people together.
The dispute has also affected Sheeran’s touring lineup. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga have withdrawn from upcoming shows in solidarity with Macklemore.
Macklemore has said he understands Sheeran’s position but remains committed to speaking about Palestine. He also said his participation in the tour had given him an opportunity to address large audiences on the issue.
The controversy has drawn support from several public figures, including Greta Thunberg, Kehlani and Kneecap, while singer Pink has criticised Macklemore’s position.
Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” is scheduled to resume on September 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Macklemore had been scheduled to perform at 8 of the tour’s remaining 10 US stadium shows.