As controversy swirls around singer Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, fans are wondering what comes next for his North American run, especially with his three dates scheduled in Florida.
The "Shape of You" singer is facing backlash after rapper Macklemore said he was removed from the lineup
following pro-Palestinian remarks and pressure from multiple venues, prompting the remaining supporting acts to voluntarily drop the tour.The "Thrift Shop" rapper had been scheduled to appear at eight of the Loop Tour's 10 remaining concerts, according to the outlet. Macklemore took to social media to confirm his removal and said Sheeran told him New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium.
He also shared that "they gave
(Sheeran) an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues."
Macklemore said he hoped to preserve his friendship with Sheeran. He concluded that he did not need all 10 scheduled appearances, writing that the two MetLife Stadium concerts gave him the opportunity to deliver his message to 90,000 people.
Are Sheeran’s scheduled Florida stops in Hollywood and Tampa still on the calendar for later this fall?
What happened with Ed Sheeran's tour? Why was Macklemore kicked off the tour?
USA TODAY reported that the decision to drop Macklemore came after his performance during a Sheeran concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4. During his set, the Grammy-winning musician wore a kaffiyeh and performed his pro-Palestinian protest song "Hind's Hall." Macklemore also told the audience that one reason he joined the tour was to advocate for a "free Palestine."
Kraft then reached out to oppose the rapper performing at Gillette Stadium, where the New England Patriots play. Macklemore said Kraft also rallied other stadium owners to oppose his involvement in the remaining shows.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter behind the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, confirmed to Rolling Stone on Sept. 14 that Macklemore was dropped as an opener for future dates. They said venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates had notified them that they "will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans."
"After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates," the statement continued.
"I agree with Macklemore," Kraft expressed in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "Too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate."
Has Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy?
Yes, he broke his silence in a statement posted to social media on Sept. 15.
Sheeran began his statement, "I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated," Sheeran wrote.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran emphasized in a six-slide statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 15. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."
He confirmed he spoke with Kraft and other venues who threatened to bar him from performing. He said he tried for over a week to find a compromise among everyone, but the venues and promoter made the final decision.
"I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living," he wrote.
Sheeran defended his decision not to use his professional platform to push political opinions, saying his concerts are attended by young people and children from a variety of backgrounds.
"I am not complicit," he wrote. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way."
Who has left Ed Sheeran's tour?
According to USA TODAY, singer Finneas O'Connell, Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish band Beoga, and singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe have all dropped out of the "Shape of You" singer's Loop Tour. Most of these artists have said they stand behind Macklemore.
In a statement shared Tuesday, Sept. 15, on Instagram, O'Connell, a Grammy-winning producer and Billie Eilish's brother, said he decided to withdraw his upcoming tour dates with Sheeran in November and December.
"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," Finneas wrote. "I stand with Palestine and its people."
Rowe was set to open all three shows in Florida, with Lukas Graham appearing at the Tampa show.
Is Ed Sheeran coming to Florida on his tour?
As of Sept. 16, Sheeran's tour is still on, closing out his North American portion in Florida in October and November.
Sheeran will play two nights at Hard Rock Live in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood on Oct. 29 and 30. He will then play a single show at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on Nov. 7.
How much are tickets to Ed Sheeran's shows?
Tickets to Sheeran's Hollywood shows range from $357 to $3,570 on Ticketmaster, depending on where you sit.
Buy Ed Sheeran tickets on Ticketmaster
As for the Tampa show, tickets range from $83 to $272, depending on the seat.
What if I want to sell my Ed Sheeran tickets? Here's what to know
Some fans on social media who already bought tickets say they stand with Macklemore and will no longer attend the shows.
If you no longer want to attend Sheeran's tour, or can't, Ticketmaster's FAQ says all sales are final.
"If you change your mind about your ticket purchase, you are not entitled to a refund or exchange," the website says.
However, you might be able to resell your tickets. Keep in mind that not all events or tickets are available for resale. Contact Ticketmaster to see whether you can resell your tickets.
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Is Ed Sheeran's tour still coming to Florida after recent controversy?
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