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Finneas and all supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped
Joshua N.
Following Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour, every other artist involved has withdrawn in response to the decision.
It comes after Sheeran took to social media to explain the decision, saying he didn't want his shows to become a 'political forum'.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, and other supporting acts took to social media to confirm that they would no longer open for the British artist on the Loop tour.
The former, who is best known as the brother of singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, was set to open for the Shape of You artist on South American dates of the tour, which start in November.
Finneas took to Instagram, writing: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
“I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran.
"I stand with Palestine and its people,” he concluded.
Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe have also announced that they will not be part of the rest of the US leg of Sheeran's tour.
Statements from other opening acts
Graham took to Instagram, writing: “It’s hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love. We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge,” he said.
The Dane concluded: “I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates.
"I’m sorry I won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
"I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop’ North American Tour," Rowe wrote in an Instagram post.
"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,
"But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," he added.
The Irishman went on: "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.
"I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE."
Macklemore commented a Palestinian flag and a heart in response.
Humanitarian groups and a United Nations commission have said Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute a genocide, but Israel and its allies, including the US, have denied this.
Ed Sheeran's band drops out
Beoga, a traditional Irish folk band who joined him for songs on set, have also decided to leave the Loop tour.
They also thanked Sheeran for his friendship, but wrote: “We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.
"As musicians, playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”
“We were there for Macklemore’s performance and speech. We fully supported his message, so did most of the audience in MetLife Stadium, which terrifies the lobbies. Go back and read the transcript if you’re in doubt," they stated.
He went on: "We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.
"This whole episode is once again serving to distract form the real issue, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the most recent so-called ceasefire.”