Finneas and Aaron Rowe Exit Ed Sheeran Tour, Citing Palestinian Solidarity

Following Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour due to the rapper's outspoken pro-Palestine activism , fellow openers Finneas and Aaron Rowe have dropped off the tour.

Finneas made a statement on social media today, writing, "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."

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe made a statement today, beginning, "I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran's 'The Loop' North American Tour." It continues:

> I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonization, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE

His statement follows Sheeran's statement this morning, in which he said the decision was ultimately not up to him, but the promoter. "I am not complicit," he wrote. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care. Nor does it mean I don't support causes in my own, personal way."

It was not surprising, considering Macklemore's statement called out Sheeran's "typical apolitical stance," saying that "taking a side can cost you." "Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I've lost all of those things," he wrote. "But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed. When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn't leave you in the middle."

_Originally reported by [Stereogum](https://stereogum.com/2511528/ed-sheeran-openers-drop-off-tour-in-solidarity-with-palestinian-people/news/)._