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Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran Amid Macklemore Tour Fallout
Developing
In Short: Aaron Rowe, a former Ed Sheeran opener, defended the singer amid the continuing fallout over Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour. Rowe said he had not had a chance to talk to Sheeran extensively but believed the decision to drop Macklemore was a mistake.
Rowe was among the artists who withdrew from Sheeran's remaining tour dates after Macklemore was dropped from eight scheduled appearances. He argued that panic within Sheeran's team contributed to the decision and that Sheeran now considered it a mistake.
The Messina Touring Group said venues had warned that upcoming concerts would not proceed while Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran has said the decision was made by the tour’s promoter rather than him.
Rowe, Lukas Graham, and FINNEAS subsequently withdrew from their scheduled support appearances, while Irish band Beoga pulled out of its role in Sheeran’s touring band. Rowe had earlier announced his departure, saying he could not ‘stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence’ artists speaking about Palestinians.
Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium where Macklemore had been scheduled to perform, announced a $2 million commitment to Palestinian aid groups, following a similar request from Sheeran. Macklemore had previously alleged that Kraft pressured promoters to remove him from the tour.
What this adds
Aaron Rowe has defended Ed Sheeran amid the continuing fallout over Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour, arguing that public criticism is being directed at the wrong person.
Background
Macklemore donated $1 million from his earnings to Palestinian aid groups after being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Rapper Macklemore donated his $1 million earnings from Ed Sheeran's tour to Palestinian aid organizations.
What's still developing
- "I haven't had a chance to talk to Ed too much, but I fully believe he knows that was a mistake," Rowe said.
- Aaron Rowe has defended Ed Sheeran amid the continuing fallout over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour, arguing that public criticism is being directed at the wrong person.
- Charlie Puth has cancelled his upcoming Australian and New Zealand tour, scrapping a number of November arena dates first announced in April.
- The singer had promised fans an “unforgettable live experience” featuring a “world-class band.” “I feel like I’ve worked and waited my entire career to put this sort of live show on for you all,” Puth said when announcing the dates.