Robert Kraft's Venue Ban Leads to Macklemore's Removal from Ed Sheeran Tour
- Reports
- 20
- Developments
- 2
- Repetition
- 90%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
Macklemore was removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran's US tour after voicing pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli government sentiment during a stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4. Robert Kraft, a venue owner, claimed Macklemore used demeaning rhetoric against the Jewish community and supported barring him from venues. Sheeran confirmed he acquiesced to venue owners to ensure the continued employment of his other support acts, though ticket holders have demanded refunds.
Why it matters
The incident involved a conflict over venue access and political speech, resulting in the termination of a professional partnership between Macklemore and Ed Sheeran. The controversy highlights how stadium owners and venue access decisions can impact the viability and operational contracts of large-scale music tours.
The event is part of a larger business relationship concerning venue access and tour ultimatums involving Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft, and Gillette Stadium.
Who's involved
- MacklemoreAmerican rapper whose pro-Palestinian advocacy led to his tour removal.
- Robert KraftAmerican businessman who supported barring Macklemore from venues.
- Ed SheeranEnglish singer-songwriter whose tour was impacted by the venue owner's pressure.
- Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAmerican politician who publicly criticized the stadium owners' actions regarding censorship.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MacklemoreSpeculative
Macklemore might face reduced revenue and contract losses due to the tour cancellation and venue bans.
- Ed SheeranSpeculative
Ed Sheeran could face reduced sales and revenue from ticket holders demanding refunds.
- New JerseySpeculative
The market for concerts in New Jersey could see reduced demand and sales due to the political controversy.
- MassachusettsSpeculative
The music industry in Massachusetts could see changes in touring contracts and operational costs.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.Ocasio-Cortez focused on Kraft's role as Macklemore was banned from MA stop.1 source
Kraft's support for barring Macklemore from venues caused his tour removal.1 source
Keep exploring
Part of
Business relationship concerning venue access and tour ultimatum involving Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft, and Gillette Stadium.Also in this story
- Venue owner pressured artist to drop opening act.
- Robert Kraft threatened to ban Ed Sheeran's shows.
- Robert Kraft applied an ultimatum regarding venue usage due to pressure caused by a protest song.
- Macklemore spoke at MetLife Stadium, while Kraft refused him at Gillette Stadium, amid tour cancellation controversy.
The entities involved
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Macklemore
American rapper and singer from Washington
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Robert Kraft
American businessman and philanthropist
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Ed Sheeran
English singer-songwriter
Related events
- Kraft pressured Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour, while Macklemore's song was inspired by Columbia University.
- Roger Waters criticized Ed Sheeran's actions publicly as Robert Kraft wanted Macklemore removed from the tour, leading to backlash after a concert in New Jersey.
- Severe weather forced a concert cancellation in Foxborough, amidst controversy over Macklemore's removal and political statements about Palestine.
- Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour is compounded by Aaron Rowe's withdrawal and support from Irish artists.
- Macklemore's political rant caused significant disruption to the tour schedule.
Coverage
Newest first; wire copies grouped- dailycardinal.com
- sdjewishworld.com
- justjared.com
- dailyfreepress.com
- pastemagazine.com
- hiphopwired.com
- the-independent.com
- irishsun.com
- variety.com
- stcatharinesstandard.ca
- dailysabah.com