Jack Antonov criticizes Ed Sheeran for continuing tour after Macklemore's removal

Jack Antonov, the frontman of Bleachers, said Ed Sheeran should have cancelled his Loop tour and performed free shows outside each venue to raise funds after Macklemore was removed from the lineup over his pro-Palestine remarks. Antonov told The Guardian that saying “Free Palestine” is “not in any way a strange, uncomfortable or controversial thing, it’s a deeply human thing to say.”

He added that artists should not allow promoters or wealthy individuals to dictate what they can say, urging Sheeran to “stand up” on the issue. Antonov suggested that cancelling the tour and playing for free would have been a “massive, beautiful opportunity.”

Macklemore’s comments advocating for Palestinian liberation during his opening set in New Jersey led the Messina Touring Group to inform venues that they would not permit him on the U.S. leg of the tour, resulting in his removal. Following the decision, several other musicians on the tour, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga, withdrew in solidarity.

Sheeran released a statement saying he was not taking a side in the Israel-Palestine conflict and expressed regret over the situation, describing his decision-making as difficult and apologising for any mistakes.

Macklemore later announced a three-concert “Free Palestine” tour in Europe, with proceeds pledged to organizations supporting Palestinian people.