Sheeran names new opening acts for US tour dates

Ed Sheeran has added Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser to parts of his US Loop Tour, filling some opening-act slots after Macklemore was removed from the bill and other supporting musicians left. The announcements cover several upcoming concerts, including Slade’s previously announced appearance in Atlanta and Rosser’s planned opening slot in Indianapolis. Slade, the former lead singer of The Fray, said on Instagram that he would open Sheeran’s shows in Indianapolis on October 10, Charlotte on October 17, Arlington on October 24 and Tampa on November 7. He had already opened for Sheeran in Atlanta on October 3. Rosser, a contestant on American Idol’s 24th season, said he would also perform before Sheeran at the Indianapolis concert at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both musicians’ announcements were made through Instagram, according to reports of their posts. The changes follow the removal of Macklemore from the tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks at concerts in New Jersey. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the backing band Beoga also left the tour, with reports describing their departures as being in solidarity with Macklemore.