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// DOSSIER — ed-sheeran-music-dropped-irish-radio-station-classic
Ed Sheeran Music Dropped by Irish Radio Station Classic Hits Radio Amid Macklemore Tour Controversy
REL_TIME: 20 Sep 2026 01:12Z · LANG: EN
Irish multi-city broadcaster Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist for the foreseeable future following public backlash over the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's US Loop Tour. Macklemore was dropped after making pro-Palestinian statements on stage in New Jersey. In response, all remaining tour opening acts, including Irish performers Aaron Rowe and Beoga, withdrew from the tour. Classic Hits Radio stated its decision reflects listener feedback and solidarity with the Irish artists, while Sheeran maintained that tour promoters and venue owners initiated Macklemore's removal over threats to cancel upcoming dates.
// Background
The controversy originated during an opening set at MetLife Stadium on September 4, where Macklemore expressed support for Palestine and performed his anti-war song 'Hind's Hall'. Following criticism from organizations including StopAntisemitism and pressure from stadium owners such as Robert Kraft, tour promoters removed Macklemore from the lineup. The decision triggered widespread fallout, including the resignation of all other support acts and public boycotts.
// Key Developments
- Classic Hits Radio pulled Ed Sheeran's catalog from its airwaves across multiple major Irish cities following listener backlash.
- Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's Loop Tour after delivering a pro-Palestinian speech and performing 'Hind's Hall' at MetLife Stadium.
- All remaining opening acts, including Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Finneas, and Lukas Graham, exited the tour in solidarity.
- Ed Sheeran defended his stance, explaining that venues and promoters made the final decision to cut Macklemore after threatening to cancel show dates.
- Macklemore donated $1 million in net tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations following his departure.
// Timeline
-
Macklemore performs at MetLife Stadium, delivering a speech advocating for Palestine.
-
Macklemore publicly announces that he has been removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
-
Ed Sheeran releases a statement clarifying that tour promoters and venue pressure forced Macklemore's exit.
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Classic Hits Radio announces it has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its broadcast rotation.
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Pro-Palestine groups plan a protest outside Ed Sheeran's concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
// Perspectives
[Classic Hits Radio / Bay Broadcasting]
Suspended Sheeran's music from airwaves to honor listener feedback and stand in solidarity with Irish artists who left the tour.
[Ed Sheeran]
Maintained that the decision to cut Macklemore belonged to venue owners and promoters, stating he prefers to keep his performance platform neutral and non-political.
[Macklemore]
Advocated publicly for Palestine on stage, criticized military action in Gaza, and directed his tour proceeds to Palestinian relief funds.
[Pro-Palestine Activist Groups (Philly Palestine Coalition, Shut Down D&Z)]
Organized protests against Sheeran's upcoming shows, arguing that neutrality in the face of oppression equals complicity.
// Quotes
“In light of the strength of feeling expressed by our listeners and the decisions taken by Irish artists involved in the tour, we believe removing Ed Sheeran’s music from our playlist is the appropriate decision for Classic Hits Radio at this time.”
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.”
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
