U2 Back Macklemore’s Right to Free Expression Amid Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy
U2 members have publicly addressed the removal of Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour, defending the rapper’s right to express political views while cautioning against placing blame on Sheeran.
The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. Respond to Tour Controversy
Speaking to BBC News, guitarist The Edge stated that the band completely supports Macklemore’s right as an artist to speak his mind. At the same time, The Edge noted that Sheeran should not be vilified for a difficult position. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. reinforced that stance, describing political expression as a fundamental human right. Mullen stated that no billionaire, promoter, or venue owner has the right to censor anybody, adding that U2 would never accept censorship themselves.
The dispute traces back to September, when Macklemore performed two opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. During those appearances, the rapper told the audience “Free Palestine,” spoke about Gaza and the West Bank, and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Following the sets, promoter Messina Touring Group announced that remaining tour venues would not allow the shows to proceed with Macklemore on the bill.
Supporting Acts Exit Tour After Stadium Ban
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed he barred the rapper from Gillette Stadium. Kraft cited Macklemore’s comments alongside what he termed a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Sheeran stated the decision ultimately belonged to the promoter. In response to Macklemore’s removal, several supporting acts left the tour in solidarity, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Irish folk band Beoga. Sheeran later addressed the crowd in Philadelphia, apologizing for mistakes made in handling the situation.
The controversy builds on earlier remarks from U2 frontman Bono, who stressed that the matter should not be personalized. Bono also revealed that Sheeran had previously asked to stay out of politics during a recent collaboration with the band.
Macklemore Alleges Venue Rejections for Benefit Tour
Following his removal from the tour, Macklemore organized three sold-out Free Palestine benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London, featuring guest appearances by artists like Hozier, Kneecap, and Beoga. These events raised money for organizations supporting Palestinians.
On November 6, Macklemore alleged via Instagram that nine major U.S. arenas declined to host his fundraising tour. The venues named in his statement included Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Prudential Center, UBS Arena, Crypto.com Arena, Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, Chase Center, and Climate Pledge Arena. Madison Square Garden disputed the claim, stating that the venue has extremely limited availability and questioning whether the rapper constitutes an arena-level act.
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