U2 Weigh In on Ed Sheeran and Macklemore Tour Controversy

U2 have defended Macklemore’s right to speak about Palestine after he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour, while urging the public not to vilify Sheeran. The band described the dispute as a question of artistic freedom and said promoters and venue owners should not censor performers.

Macklemore was dropped in September after speaking about Gaza and the West Bank and performing “Hind’s Hall” at two MetLife Stadium shows. Promoter Messina Touring Group said venues on the remaining dates would not allow him to perform; Patriots owner Robert Kraft also said he barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing his comments and what Kraft called a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Several acts left the tour in solidarity, and Macklemore later played three sold-out benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris and London.