Antonoff Says Sheeran Should Have Canceled Tour Over Macklemore

Jack Antonoff criticized Ed Sheeran for continuing his Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from its remaining U.S. dates, arguing Sheeran should have canceled the shows and performed for free outside the venues to raise money. Sheeran has said the promoter, not he, made the decision to remove Macklemore. In an interview published October 25, Antonoff said Sheeran had missed an opportunity to challenge the conditions behind the removal. Antonoff proposed that Sheeran cancel the tour and play outside each venue rather than allow a billionaire to influence the lineup. His remarks followed Macklemore’s performances of pro-Palestinian messages during the tour’s opening shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. On September 14, tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore would not appear at the remaining U.S. dates. The promoter said venues had indicated they would not host shows with him on the lineup. Macklemore had performed his protest song Hinds Hall and expressed solidarity with Palestinians during the MetLife Stadium shows. The accounts differ over who drove the removal. Sheeran said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter and that the decision was not his....