Finneas, Lukas Graham and More Withdraw as Ed Sheeran's Support Acts - Read Their Statements

Ed Sheeran released a lengthy statement earlier today about the removal of Macklemore from his 'The Loop' shows, and now his support acts Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, and his back up band Beoga have all withdrawn from the tour.

Here's what they each said:

Finneas: 

"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."

Beoga: 

"We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. 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."

Aaron Rowe:

"I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran's 'The Loop' North American Tour. 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. 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."

Lukas Graham:

"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. 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 we won't be there. This is a difficult decision, but it's one I need to stand by."

Why are Ed's support acts leaving his tour?

Let's go back to the night Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey just a few days ago. On stage, he used the words "Free Palestine" to protest the indiscriminate killing of children in Gaza. Here's part of his message (or you can read it in full):

"I have an 11-year-old daughter. Her name is Sloan. She is here tonight. And if any of you guys are parents then you know that that love that you have for your kids cannot be put into words, right? And I want to see her grow up. I want to see her go to school, to fall in love, to figure out meaning, purpose, joy, her existence on this planet. I want it to be the most beautiful possible. And I think that every single human being that walks this earth deserves that exact same feeling.

To know safety and peace before they know the sound of violence. To know the sound of laughter on a playground before planes and bombs. For parents to be able to say bye to their children in the morning and not have to wonder if this is going to be the last time that they kiss their children goodbye."

Ultimately, his call was for peace and safety for all. He also called for a Free Congo, Sudan, Iran and more.

But then a few days later, Macklemore announced he'd been removed from the remainder of Ed's tour following pressure by Robert Kraft, an American businessman who owns Gillette Stadium where Ed would be playing next.

Ed released a statement shortly after explaining that "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."

But those support acts he was referring to? Yeah. They stepped away from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, the people of Palestine and free speech.