Rapper Macklemore is a vocal supporter of Palestine and Gaza residents. During a recent concert at MetLife Stadium, he yelled “Free Palestine!” onstage, projected images of devastation in the area, and performed protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Now, it seems that American venues are not willing to play ball with the Seattle artist, and he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” according to Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Loop Tour. This news follows backlash from organizations like StopAntisemitism and others, such as pop star Pink.
Won’t somebody think of the millionaires? His whole livelihood is at stake here!
Did you not read the part where I said “more than his own livelihood”? Or did you just choose to ignore it?
There are so many more people than just Ed Sheeran who would be hurt by him breaching his contract. Everyone working that tour would be hurt. Likely hundreds of people who are doing gig work for this tour.
And it’s not like his livelihood is even at massive risk - he’s a big enough name that any arena worth his time to perform at will be big enough that there won’t be other acts available that will sell enough seats at short notice, so they’re pretty likely to cave if he puts his foot down.
And the truck & bus drivers, catering, roadies, grips, crew, wardrobe, sound guys. You think he puts in all the work himself?
Listen I’m not defending Ed Sheeran’s decision here but don’t forget it’s not always about JUST his money - he personally knows a shitload of people who are going to lose their next 18 months’ income without much recourse if he bails now, who aren’t millionaires. Tour work is literally gig work.
Yup. People seem to be ignoring the part where I specifically said “more than his own livelihood”.
And this isn’t even touching on the impact to future contracts. Venues and other businesses don’t want to sign contracts with people who have shown a willingness to breach agreements for personal or political reasons.
Sheeran has more than enough money to pay those people out of pocket for any dates that canceled.
It doesn’t even sound like it’s his decision. Seriously, how much agency do people really think musicians have over their performances, venues, lineups, etc.? That’s all handled by record labels, agents, managers, etc.
If the venue says “not so-and-so” and the record label says “okay,” there’s literally jack-shit that the headliner can do about it…