Finneas has withdrawn from six planned support dates on Ed Sheeran’s South American tour, becoming the latest act to leave the singer’s “The Loop Tour” after Macklemore was removed from the bill.
The songwriter and brother of Billie Eilish had been due to perform during the tour’s South American leg in late November and early December. He announced his decision after Macklemore was dropped from the tour on Monday.
In a statement on Instagram, Finneas said: “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.”
Finneas is the third artist to pull out of the tour, following opening act Aaron Rowe and Sheeran’s band Beoga. Lukas Graham subsequently became the fourth act to withdraw.
Graham said: “I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed.” He also told fans: “I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s departure by saying the decision had been made after stadium owners and promoters refused to allow him to perform.
The stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, said Macklemore had been removed because of what they described as “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery”.
It remains unclear whether Sheeran will announce replacement support acts for the vacant dates. For now, the singer appears set to carry more of the performances himself.
