Ed Sheeran songs removed from Irish radio station over Macklemore row

Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist following the controversy over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour.

The station said on Thursday that it would no longer play Sheeran’s songs “for the foreseeable future”, citing feedback from listeners about the events surrounding the tour. The decision took effect on Thursday.

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Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after he spoke in support of Palestinians during his performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. On September 4, he told the audience that people in Gaza and the West Bank had not been forgotten and called for a “free Palestine”.

Macklemore later said that Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, had pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour. The tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, said multiple venues had indicated that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform. Sheeran subsequently said the decision was made by the promoters and venues, not by him. He also said he had personal views on the conflict but would not discuss them publicly.

Several artists scheduled to support Sheeran subsequently withdrew from the remaining dates, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga. Finneas and Lukas Graham also pulled out.

Dave Kelly, group programme director of Bay Broadcasting, which operates Classic Hits Radio, said the decision to remove Sheeran’s music had been “carefully considered” and was not intended as a personal judgement on the singer.

The station said the decision would remain under review.