Dublin artist Aaron Rowe has announced that he is leaving Ed Sheeran’s North American tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore.
Rowe had been performing as a support act on Sheeran’s The Loop tour since February.
He announced on Tuesday that he had made the decision to withdraw from the remaining dates, saying he could not continue with the tour following Macklemore’s removal from the line-up.
In a statement, Rowe said the decision had not been an easy one, highlighting his friendship with Sheeran and the impact the singer has had on his career.
He said: “Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”
However, Rowe said he felt he had to step away from the tour because of his views on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Macklemore’s removal.
He said: “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”
Rowe went on to criticise the use of wealth and power to silence artists who speak out about the situation in Gaza.
He said: “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.”
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The Dublin artist said continuing with the tour would conflict with his personal beliefs.
He added: “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
Rowe also referred to Ireland’s history of colonisation and said he wanted to remain true to the people who came before him.
He said: “I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”
Rowe’s decision comes after Macklemore was removed from the tour following comments he made in support of Palestine.
The rapper had performed his protest song Hind’s Hall during one of Sheeran’s recent shows and called for a “free Palestine”.
His appearance led to calls for him to be removed from the tour, including from singer P!nk, while the Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for action.
@ajplus Macklemore used his opening for Ed Sheeran to call for a free Palestine to a crowd of 80,000+ people. And he’s been speaking up for Palestine for years. The Israeli American Council launched a petition for him to be dropped from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour. #Activism #Palestine #Gaza #Macklemore #EdSheeran ♬ Breaking News - AltairMakin
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran’s US tour dates, later announced that Macklemore would not perform at the remaining shows.
The promoter said it had been notified by venues hosting upcoming US dates that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the line-up.
Macklemore later addressed his removal from the tour, reiterating his support for Palestinians while also describing Sheeran as a “brother”.
“Ed is my friend. I've known him for 13 years. We've shared late nights, studio sessions and stages. He has this infectious magic about him that I've grown to love. I consider him a brother.”
“And because of that, we've had some difficult conversations this past week. The type of talks rooted in love and respect for one another that still end in a place of fundamental disagreement.”
Macklemore said Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, had contacted him about Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
According to Macklemore, Kraft said he would not be allowed to perform at the stadium and had spoken to other stadium owners, who gave Sheeran an ultimatum over keeping Macklemore on the tour.
Sheeran confirmed the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter rather than by him.
The British singer said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak out about what he believes in, but said he wanted to use his own platform to promote diplomacy and keep conversations open.
Aaron Rowe is not the only artist to have stepped away from the tour following the controversy.
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Irish traditional band Beoga, who had been performing a six-song mini set alongside Sheeran during his stadium shows, also announced that they would not complete the remaining dates.
Lukas Graham and Finneas have also withdrawn from their upcoming support slots.
