Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The removal followed pro-Palestinian remarks Macklemore made during the tour, a decision that drew significant backlash from fellow musicians and fans. Waters shared a video message titled “Ed Who?” directed at Sheeran.
“I just have a little message for [Sheeran],” Waters said. “There are two kinds of people in this world. There’s people who do the right thing — the rapper Macklemore would be one of those people.”
“And there’s people — many of them, sadly — little f… excuse me, I nearly used the F-word then… pricks like you who do the wrong thing,” he continued. “Goodbye.”
The dispute traces back to a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore opened for Sheeran. During his set, the rapper performed “Hind’s Hall,” a 2024 pro-Palestinian protest song. He also led the crowd in chants of “Free Palestine” while images depicting the war in Gaza appeared on screen. The performance sparked immediate backlash, and a petition circulated calling for Macklemore’s removal from future tour dates.
Days later, Macklemore was cut from the remainder of the tour. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said the decision came after venues threatened to cancel shows if the rapper remained on the bill. The promoter framed the move as necessary to protect the rest of the tour. Macklemore confirmed his removal in a lengthy statement. He asserted that his vocal support for Palestinians amid the war in Gaza had cost him professionally, and that the real victims remain the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Sheeran has denied direct involvement in the decision. He said the promoter made the call, not him personally, and that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with Sheeran. “I am not complicit,” Sheeran said, distancing himself from the fallout even as backlash within the music industry intensified.
The controversy has extended beyond Waters’ comments. Several supporting acts quit the tour altogether following Macklemore’s removal, reflecting broader discontent among musicians over how the situation was handled. As of this report, Macklemore has not issued a further public response to Waters’ remarks.
