Irish Radio Station Drops Ed Sheeran Music Over Macklemore Tour Dispute
Ireland's Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran from its playlist after listener feedback over Macklemore's removal from his US tour.
Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist, citing listener reaction to rapper Macklemore's removal from the singer's U.S. tour after he voiced support for Palestinians on stage.
The station said it would drop Sheeran's songs "for the foreseeable future" and that listeners had contacted it to express disappointment and concern about events surrounding the tour. It said it recognized there were differing and strongly held views on the matter, and acknowledged Sheeran's statement that the decision to remove Macklemore was not his and that he had tried to find a resolution.
Dave Kelly, group program director at Bay Broadcasting, which operates the station, said the decision was carefully considered and was not intended as a personal judgment on Sheeran. He said it reflected the strength of listeners' feelings and the decisions of the Irish artists involved in the tour. The station said the decision would remain under review.
Bay Broadcasting also runs Radio Nova, Sunshine 106.8 and Galway Bay FM, but the change applies only to Classic Hits Radio.
All of the remaining support acts on Sheeran's Loop Tour have withdrawn from the rest of the dates in solidarity with Macklemore. They include Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Finneas, who is Billie Eilish's brother, and Danish singer Lukas Graham. Sheeran's backing band Beoga also pulled out.
The dispute began after Macklemore declared "Free Palestine" at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4, before performing "Hind's Hall," a song critical of the Israeli military. The tour's promoter later announced he would be dropped after several venues said they would not host the shows if he remained on the bill. Macklemore said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had demanded his removal.
Macklemore has since pledged his $1 million in net tour earnings to organizations supporting Palestinians and challenged Kraft to match it. Kraft responded that Sheeran had already asked him to match Sheeran's own $2 million donation for humanitarian aid in the region.