Ed Sheeran tour loses support acts
All support acts on Ed Sheeran's US tour quit after Macklemore dropped
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Warm-up
- When should musicians speak about politics at concerts?
- What would make you stop supporting a show or tour?
- Have you ever signed a petition? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
- promoter
- a company or person who organises and finances a concert or tour
- line-up
- the list of performers scheduled for a show or tour
- venue
- the place where a concert or event happens
- petition
- a formal request that many people sign to ask for a change
- setlist
- the songs a performer plans to play at a concert
- sanctuary
- a safe place where people feel protected
- advocate
- a person who publicly supports a cause or change
- condemn
- to say that something is wrong or unacceptable
Reading
All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran's US tour quit after Macklemore was dropped from the line-up over pro-Palestinian remarks. Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Irish folk group Beoga all pulled out.
Sheeran said on Instagram that the decision was made by the promoter, Messina Touring Group, not by him. He added that he would not enter a public debate on Gaza, though he is appalled by the conflict and wants peace. He said his shows should be a sanctuary for fans of all backgrounds, and that there are different ways to be an advocate for change. He also noted that Macklemore, like all support acts, could choose his own setlist.
The dispute began on 4 September at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, where Macklemore said "Free Palestine" and performed Hind's Hall, a song that condemns Israel's military action in Gaza. Jewish groups criticised the performance, some venues pressed promoters to act, and the Israeli American Council launched a petition. In response, Sheeran said he had tried to "build a bridge" with venues, but the promoters ultimately removed Macklemore.
Comprehension
- Why did the support acts quit Ed Sheeran's US tour?
- Who did Sheeran say decided to drop Macklemore?
- What role does Sheeran say his concerts should play for fans?
- Where and when did the dispute begin?
- What actions did groups take after Macklemore's performance?
Grammar focus
Relative clauses (non-defining)
Non-defining relative clauses add extra information about a person or thing and are separated by commas. Use who/which/whose (not that) for these clauses. (Examples constructed.)
- A support act, **who had expressed support for a cause**, left the stage.
- The promoter, **who made the final decision**, issued a short statement.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- The announcement, (that / which) surprised fans, eased tensions.
- Macklemore, (who / that) performed at MetLife Stadium, faced backlash.
- A support band, (that / which) pulled out, said it was a protest.
- Sheeran, (who / that) asked for calm, avoided a public debate.
- The promoter, (that / which) made the decision, released a statement.
Discussion
- Should artists use concerts to speak about political issues? Why?
- Was the promoter right to remove Macklemore from the line-up?
- What do fans expect from arena shows: escape, debate, or both?
- When is quitting a tour an effective form of protest?
Vocabulary, reading, and exercises with instant feedback