Crash Course: Ed Sheeran and Mackelmore
By Jay Snyder-Phillippoff
If you have been following the news this week you may have noticed a large uproar concerning Ed Sheeran and Macklemore. If not, don’t worry I will fill you in here.
Earlier this week singer songwriter Ed Sheeran dropped his opener rapper Macklemore from his tour. Macklemore, an outspoken activist who often makes pro-Palestine remarks on stage, sat on September 4 calling for Palestinian liberation and performing a song entitled “Hind’s Hall” named after a five year old girl killed by Israeli troops in Gaza.
Their next show, however, would be played at the Patriots and Gillette stadium owned byRobert Kraft, who called Sheeran and his producer to inform him that they would not host Sheeran as long as Macklemore was a part of it. Kraft cited Macklemore's comments as “hate speech”.
On Sept. 5Macklemore publicly stated he would continue to stand with the Palestinian people and Gaza. The Israeli-American council then petitioned Sheeran to remove Macklemore as well as singers Pink and Boy George. By Sept. 14 Sheeran dropped Macklemore, with his team stating that since multiple alleged venues would not allow for Sheeran to tour with Macklemore, he was dropped to “impact hundreds of thousands of fans.”
Macklemore then stated he felt silenced, as he and Sheeran had been like brothers for many years. Macklemore, however, has received support from several figures including the mayor of Dearborn who offered to host him in the city for a concert. Other supporting acts including Finneas, Lucas Grad and the Irish band Beoga have also dropped as openers in solidarity with Macklemore.
Now apart from the recap, there is something bigger to say here. The decision made on this tour would not have had to have been made if it were not for one single person: Robert Kraft.
Kraft is a major shareholder in the stadium, his opinion becomes the rule and guiding hand of the stadium. “Having more money doesn't make your opinion worth more than anyone else's," said Lukas Graham in a statement on Instagram. Kraft single handedly cost many artists their livelihood and fans their shows.
The silencing of musicians has been a trend throughout history, so needless to say Kraft's actions are not new. In my opinion, Ed Sheeran isn't fully to blame. As an artist he's a public figure and is therefore the image of public opinion and while criticism of Sheeran is validated the true critique should be centered on Robert Kraft. Kraft used his connections and status to pull the strings to suit his personal political agenda.
I say take some time this week to listen to some Macklemore – I can assure you that “Cant Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop” are just as good as you remember.
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