Macklemore is learning the hard way that concertgoers paying top dollar for stadium shows do not want a lecture on Middle Eastern geopolitics from the guy who wrote "Thrift Shop."
Macklemore was kicked off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour after multiple venues refused to host him following his pro-Palestinian speeches and performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The fallout escalated when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred him from performing at Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is scheduled to play Sept. 25 and 26.
The rapper opened Sheeran’s shows at MetLife on Sept. 4 and 5. Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, showed footage of destruction in Gaza, performed "Hind’s Hall" and led the crowd in "Free Palestine" chants. The song includes lyrics accusing Israel of genocide. ---More...
Rapper Macklemore says he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after turning the stage into his own political soapbox.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg)September 14, 2026
Macklemore says Robert Kraft told Sheeran that the rapper must be dropped or he wouldn't be able to perform at Gillette Stadium.
"Ed also told me that… pic.twitter.com/ebBggt36um