2.7k
u/GirthIgnorer Sep 15 '26
genuinely fucking ballsy for a band that has been riding with ed for so long
1.7k
u/henstocker Sep 15 '26
Absolutely inspiring to see that people with conviction and hearts still exist.
547
u/ResurgentClusterfuck Sep 15 '26
They're not omega rich either like Sheeran
477
u/DontDreamItsOver3 Sep 15 '26
Yeah, them doing this make Sheeran look that much more like a coward because he's already rich, already famous. Sure, some implications affect him much more than the less-known openers, but all in all, brave brave moves by these support acts!
→ More replies (20)215
u/DadCelo Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 16 '26
Also kinda of undermines his "so many people rely on this tour" or whatever argument, since even the people who need the money/exposure the most are walking out.
→ More replies (3)104
u/DontDreamItsOver3 Sep 15 '26
Well, no, the people who need the money most are the crew and staff and contractors that all work to get the stage set up, equipment to each venue, take care of the instruments, catering, all that. They are the economic ecosystem that loses if the shows are canceled and it's too late for most of them to book back up gigs for those dates. These dates were arranged months ago.
But yes, the opening bands lose money too and visibility, so it's bad for them but the courage and message is more important and may benefit the opening bands in the long run.
146
29
u/Lower_Monk6577 Sep 15 '26
You’re 100% spot on. I know a few people that work as stage crew for some of the bigger production companies in my area, and they get fucked pretty hard if things get cancelled.
Same for opening acts too, tbh. Most musicians aren’t rolling in cash, so some of the lesser-known openers are also going to be hit pretty badly by this. Macklemore and Finneas will be just fine though, I’m sure.
Point is: as always, the actual people getting fucked are those without money, and they’re getting fucked by those that already have it (Kraft especially, Sheeran to a lesser extent by not having a set of balls). Mad respect to the artists here who are willing to miss out on a life-changing paycheck to stand up for their convictions.
8
→ More replies (8)9
→ More replies (4)29
u/Hvarfa-Bragi Sep 15 '26
Well, I'll do my part to invert that relationship
13
u/ResurgentClusterfuck Sep 15 '26
Yep it's always great to see people standing up for what is right. Definitely makes it easier to support them!
117
→ More replies (8)41
154
u/RideZestyclose2805 Sep 15 '26
honestly takes some guts to walk away from a tour after sticking with someone that long
→ More replies (2)58
58
u/iced_gold Sep 15 '26
Is this his house band for his performances?
That really throws a wrench into his tour now, doesnt it?
→ More replies (5)69
u/RosieQParker Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
They genuinely have so much to lose by doing it, and they're doing it anyway. That's real conviction.
→ More replies (3)17
u/AccurateContest4023 Sep 15 '26
Macklemore featuring Beoga backing band with Rowe as an opener sounds like a cool tour.
40
→ More replies (12)50
u/10001110101balls Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
At this point, continuing to tour is complicity with silencing free speech for the sake of an Epstein billionaire's ego. Handjob Bob can fuck off.
→ More replies (5)
1.3k
u/3eeve Sep 15 '26
Why is it that the ones who have the most to lose act with the greatest courage, and those who can't lose are utter cowards?
708
u/Patient_Activity_489 Sep 15 '26
it's why good people are rarely at the top
165
u/Ebonyfalcon69 Sep 15 '26
I know that feeling can be there and bring you down. Ms Rachel is on top. Dolly Parton was on top . Mr Rogers was on top. Hey, I'm pretty sure you're on top :)
39
u/Patient_Activity_489 Sep 15 '26
you are so kind, thank you ☺️
13
u/Ebonyfalcon69 Sep 15 '26
My mum is on top, Thank you for replying. You are kind. I'm trying to be a better person. Writing nice reddit comments to nice people is the first step of many
→ More replies (2)30
u/unassumingdink Sep 15 '26
Dolly never pissed off a single billionaire in her life, let's be real. She was just so incredibly good at riding the fence that everyone came away thinking she was on their side. If she were in Ed's position right now, do you think there's even a chance in hell she'd cancel the tour?
→ More replies (7)23
u/Picklecult Sep 16 '26
Dolly is an interesting case. I’m not sure she was better at riding the fence than others, but she came up in a different time. She wouldn’t have gotten away with saying ‘I’m not a feminist’ nowadays. We demand more from our celebrities now.
230
u/blade740 turntable.fm Sep 15 '26
You don't get to be Ed Sheeran big by sticking it to the man.
→ More replies (1)76
u/GreenishPatina Sep 15 '26
I think we might be seeing that you don't get to STAY Ed Sheeran big while being a feckless coward, too.
→ More replies (3)42
u/Knot-Lye-Ing Sep 15 '26
One can hope...
On the other hand, Chris Brown was just honored by a serving congressional rep.
Some people just seem immune to accountability.
21
u/kosmonautinVT Sep 15 '26
Well, it's not like being a serving congressional rep is is a position of prestige nowadays
→ More replies (1)65
u/BB-Zwei Sep 15 '26
It's a lot easier to get rich if you're willing to compromise your morals.
7
u/swimmer385 Sep 15 '26
so much easier. look at all the people making huge money working for Palantir and Anduril
15
12
→ More replies (21)17
u/chaseinger Sep 15 '26
it's the other way round.
in order to succeed you have to be a spineless shill to whoever runs the show. if you bow down enough to those who're in charge you'll get somewhere.
the entertainment industry is just that: an industry.
1.1k
u/Malvania Sep 15 '26
The Ed Sheeran solo tour is about to begin.
424
u/henstocker Sep 15 '26
Then there’ll be the “we have decided to depart as roadies from the Ed Sheeran solo tour” post.
104
u/PermanentNirvana Sep 15 '26
"We as fans have decided to part ways with Ed Sheeran."
→ More replies (1)106
u/Isthisovryet Sep 15 '26
Omg that would be so so sweet considering he (ed) referenced all of the jobs the tour creates blah blah blah
15
→ More replies (1)15
u/ValoisSign Sep 15 '26
"As a guitar manufacturer that tries to do right by humanity, we have opted to buy back our acoustic guitar from Sheeran in solidarity with the people of Palestine"
→ More replies (1)113
26
→ More replies (19)18
u/MurderDeathTaco Sep 15 '26
Honestly - put these guys and Rowe on a ticket with Macklemore, and I’ll spend my money on that
→ More replies (1)
1.2k
u/Weary_Fee7660 Sep 15 '26
Oh look… spines! And they could probably use the money, unlike mr. Ed…
244
u/the-final-frontiers Sep 15 '26
they onyl have 85k listeners on spotify. that is not much. but I just added them.
18
→ More replies (12)14
→ More replies (4)138
u/Redhawk911 Sep 15 '26
It’s always the rich that got no spine.
40
18
u/MrGrieves- Sep 15 '26
Lack of morals is the only way you can become a billionaire.
→ More replies (1)
531
u/rmarkmatthews Sep 15 '26
Petition to rename the Streisand Effect to the Kraft Effect.
201
u/imonlybr16 Sep 15 '26
More like the Pink effect. If she didn't throw a tantrum first, how many people would've even knew about the tour?
→ More replies (6)58
u/rmarkmatthews Sep 15 '26
I feel like if it started and ended with Pink (excuse me, P!nk) and Macklemore was still on the tour this would’ve all blown over by now.
38
u/imonlybr16 Sep 15 '26
Yep but true to the Streisand effect, she just drew more attention to Macklemore in her calls to remove him.
Kraft just made things even worse.
→ More replies (2)122
u/jak_d_ripr Sep 15 '26
I can't speak for anyone else, but that's the true irony of this situation. I didn't hear anything about Macklemore's statements until P!nk started complaining about it. By firing him off the tour they might have helped his message spread a hell of a lot faster.
So I guess, good on them?
68
u/EntertheHellscape Sep 15 '26
What I can't believe is why ed Sheeran would invite Macklemore on tour in the first place if he didn't want politics involved. Macklemore hasn't exactly been quiet about his support for Palestine- he made multiple songs about the subject, even including Palestinian artists, and all proceeds went to charities for them. Like wtf did Ed expect lol
→ More replies (4)36
u/Aggressive-Prize-522 Sep 15 '26
He probably didn't care one bit either way until he feared it would cost him money.
→ More replies (1)107
u/zoobrix Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 16 '26
I never would have heard about it if not for Kraft, Macklemore's message would* have been heard by some people that went to the concert and not many else, now I know Kraft is garbage and Sheeran is a snivelling toady more concerned with maintaining his little circle of uber wealthy cunts.
Congrats all, you made yourself look awful and it's all you're own doing, just hilarious self own.
→ More replies (1)14
u/itsmepuffd Sep 15 '26
Kraft is a billionaire. Of course he is garbage. You don't get to be a billionaire without some form of exploitation of people.
291
u/GreenVermicelliNoods Sep 15 '26
Ed Sheeran has made a terrible miscalculation that may not cost him his career, but it has lost him an enormous amount of respect and favor. He wants to stand in solidarity with corporations instead of actual human beings.
124
u/Shakemyears Sep 15 '26
My opinion of his music has never been very high, but I was at least neutral on him as a person. WAS
→ More replies (2)36
→ More replies (9)14
570
u/Wamb0wneD Sep 15 '26
Shame that none of them mentioned that the guy who pushed for macklemores out is in the Epstein Files.
167
u/munchieman21 Sep 15 '26
Israel has the files and is blackmailing our country
64
u/thalassicus Sep 15 '26
Hey now... Israel AND Russia. Show some respect for the hard work the Russians have done in controlling our Epstein-linked politicians.
→ More replies (3)22
u/Harbinger2nd Sep 15 '26
The Epstein files have saturated our consciousness so thoroughly we can make our own list purely from memory. The blackmail at this point is purely performative, we know who they are.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (2)31
Sep 15 '26
[deleted]
148
u/1trashhouse Sep 15 '26
Robert Kraft
66
u/rat_penis Sep 15 '26
You mean whoremonger Robert Kraft?
42
13
8
u/PongSentry Sep 15 '26
No good sir I am referring to Handjob Bob Kraft, the sex trafficking recipient.
40
u/gloryfadesaway Sep 15 '26
Robert Kraft
55
u/johnb510 Sep 15 '26
The same Robert Kraft who got popped in the Handjob Hut in Fla? That Robert Kraft?
→ More replies (1)16
u/Temporary_Resident45 Sep 15 '26
The very same!
43
u/johnb510 Sep 15 '26
Just to be clear… the same Robert Kraft who’s in the Epstein Files, got nabbed in a Fla Handjob Hut AND whose wife is on the Kennedy Center Board Of Directors… that Robert Kraft?
→ More replies (5)35
u/johnb510 Sep 15 '26
Adding… the same Robert Kraft who’s met with Putin, showed Putin his Super Bowl ring, taking it off and handing it to Putin for inspection then Putin walked away, thus stealing the ring…. That Robert Kraft???
→ More replies (2)15
u/LetsGoRed Sep 15 '26
The same Robert Kraft who loans his private team jet to the Trump Administration to help ICE illegally deport people... that Robert Kraft?
30
13
59
u/Bank-Expression Sep 15 '26
This is delicious. It’s just shows how starved of decent morals we have been these past years.
433
u/Devolutionator Sep 15 '26
Ed really, really fucked up. That's what he gets for being a poser in the pockets of billionaires.
141
u/Sea-Way-998 Sep 15 '26
“This is going to ruin the tour”
→ More replies (1)65
u/Zarvon Sep 15 '26
What tour
→ More replies (2)102
20
→ More replies (5)47
u/ItemZealousideal431 Sep 15 '26
Notice in Ed's statement, he referred to the GENOCIDE as a "confict"...fuck that coward and fuck Robert Kraft.
→ More replies (2)
95
u/Irish_Whiskey Sep 15 '26
Sheeran ABSOLUTELY could have kicked Macklemore off and had minimal backlash if he'd said he thought it was unfair, he was given a choice to cancel the tour or proceed without Macklemore and talked it over with him, criticized Kraft, and donated to a human rights group that helps Palestinians.
Instead he said nothing until everyone else spoke, and then came out with a horrible response that literally said "I am not complicit" and "both sides."
I don't think his career is dead or anything, but he absolutely deserves the backlash and lost fans this resulted in.
→ More replies (2)63
u/ampersands-guitars Sep 15 '26
Yeah, I think Ed's statement has to be one of the worst I've ever read. Zero humanity or likability in it. Writing "I am not complicit" is actually nuts. There were so many ways to go about this that would be significantly better for his image.
→ More replies (2)
933
u/D0ngBeetle Sep 15 '26
Wow all the pro Israel bots were telling me in another thread that nobody gives a shit about this controversy
187
u/_KoingWolf_ Sep 15 '26
Don't forget to mention repeatedly how they "only" get mid to high 5 or 6 figures in monthly streamer counts! Oh my, how irrelevant they are.
→ More replies (1)109
u/Dead-O_Comics Sep 15 '26
That makes the gesture so much more meaningful in my opinion. Principles over money.
26
14
u/Ok_Conclusion_6324 Sep 15 '26
Yeah lots of “non issue nobody cares IRL” everywhere on Reddit meanwhile Ed and Kraft sending out PR statements trying to pretend they care about Palestine
→ More replies (14)38
u/c0smicgirly Sep 15 '26
My favorite canned response was that poor little Ed couldn’t do anything and just think of the opening acts and crew (as if he couldn’t pay their salaries without a dent in his fortune if worst came to worst).
→ More replies (1)19
u/-Gramsci- Sep 15 '26
The agents ALMOST had it fixed.
Blows my mind to see these artists push back on the fix. Push back on the racket.
Things have changed.
→ More replies (1)42
u/here_for_the_lols Sep 15 '26
Kind of a bizarre line for bots to take with every post on the subject blowing up like crazy
→ More replies (4)55
u/D0ngBeetle Sep 15 '26
It's just suspicious to me when Redditors are the ones telling me something is a Reddit bubble when all my friends and family irl know about it and talk about it
→ More replies (16)34
u/Fragrant-Vehicle-479 Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
Reddit weirdly loves acting like this is the only place that cares about anything, and also claims that because its the only place that cares about things, its stupid to care about things.
EDIT: Do you know how many times a day I'm told an issue is "just the reddit echo chamber bubble" when literally everyone I know is talking about said issue? Its insane.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (23)17
u/upyouralliee15 Sep 15 '26
Rowe's followers on insta & youtube are growing by thousands every time i refresh my page !!!!
→ More replies (1)12
u/SitDownShutDown Sep 15 '26
I'd never heard of him until about an hour ago, but i pulled up his YouTube channel and really like his music! He's gained another fan!
232
u/TheCarrier89 Sep 15 '26
Respect to the Irish for having a spine. Really been showing the rest of the world how to stand up to what’s been going on lately.
→ More replies (22)
91
u/Electrical_Scene_634 Sep 15 '26
WOW Ed Sheeran really looks like a Grade-A, Capital-B Bitch, doesn't he?
→ More replies (1)
29
u/ford7885 Sep 15 '26
I'm sure Ted Nugent and Kid Rock are available to join this shitshow tour. Probably that racist asshole Morgan Wallen too.
→ More replies (1)
78
285
173
u/DontDreamItsOver3 Sep 15 '26
So that's Boega and Aaron Rowe, who I believe is also an Irish artist. The chips keep falling where they understandably should... And I hope Sheeran doesn't think everyone will simply accept "It was the Promoter's decision, not mine"... most of us see through that excuse, although clearly the Promoters and Stadium owners were the driving force in kicking Macklemore off the tour.
58
u/ManChildMusician Sep 15 '26
Macklemore is known for being an activist. It’s not like this was out of the blue.
29
u/DontDreamItsOver3 Sep 15 '26
Not only is he known for it, him and Ed Sheeran are friends for a long time. Sheeran knew what Macklemore would likely do... what wasn't certain was what fallout would come down and how it would come down. Now we know.
→ More replies (2)24
u/emuwar Sep 15 '26
An activist who’s been extremely vocal about Palestine for years. Dude even wrote a song about it a few years ago. This really shouldn’t be news to anyone.
→ More replies (9)45
u/AverageJoeJohnSmith Sep 15 '26
Sadly, he'll be fine. Kanye is currently touring the world selling out stadiums.
→ More replies (19)
88
u/NordWitcher Sep 15 '26
Saw Beoga live a few weeks ago. They were absolutely amazing. Very laid back and their music definitely transports you to a much different time.
16
u/SpaceOhSpace Sep 15 '26
2 Irish acts pulling out in solidarity while the main one sells out
→ More replies (1)
13
31
41
u/Different_Prior_517 Sep 15 '26
It’s gonna be real interesting to see who they get to fill these spots.
53
u/stinkymeat696969 Sep 15 '26
probably some country dude singing want to drive his truck and fish
→ More replies (2)16
9
7
u/Procrastinatedthink Sep 15 '26
They’ll get a scab band and we’ll all be pissed.
For every person with conviction, there are 3 without.
→ More replies (9)9
u/The_Autarch Sep 15 '26
this wasn't an opener pulling out. this is literally his backing band quitting the tour.
unless he has a secret, second backing band that has already learned all his songs, he's gonna have to cancel the tour.
or it's just gonna be him and an acoustic guitar, i guess...
→ More replies (1)
63
u/MuptonBossman Sep 15 '26
Ed Sheeran's team looks like complete idiots now... It's not that hard to take a stand that's worth fighting for.
→ More replies (2)21
u/humlogic Sep 15 '26
Additionally look like idiots bc in Ed’s statement he said he talked with promoters/venues etc and then came to his decision but it now appears he didn’t actually talk to anyone else on the bill??
24
u/ampersands-guitars Sep 15 '26
Super badass that now two small opening acts have pulled out of the tour. If artists want to be "apolitical" — whatever that means in these times — whatever. I don't need every celebrity to weigh in on every issue. But Ed could've still easily supported his friend and opener in his right to free speech, and he should've. To co-sign the silencing of artists speaking out in a peaceful manner on a genocide — you're not helping us come together, dude; you're screwing everyone over by siding with censorship.
10
u/The_Autarch Sep 15 '26
this isn't an opening act. it's literally Ed's backing band for the tour.
they can't be easily replaced.
→ More replies (1)
11
39
64
11
10
u/MuddaFrmAnnudaBrudda Sep 15 '26
Would love to see a full thread of the Bands who have pulled out. We need to stream and support.
26
u/cclarke1258 Sep 15 '26
🎶 he went on tour with an Irish band but bent the knee to the Kraft cheese man 🎶
→ More replies (1)
21
u/Independent_Act_7370 Sep 15 '26
I just can’t understand a person like Ed Sheeran. What is the point of being massively rich and famous if you’re just going to gargle a billionaire’s balls?
→ More replies (6)
11
u/IllegalDaycare Sep 15 '26
Goddamn do I love seeing people willing to sacrifice success and money for principle. It might be the most commendable thing a person can do. Fuckin cheers
→ More replies (2)
9
u/A10cc Sep 15 '26
Ed Sheeran looking like a real bitch when all the real ones recognize how much of a coward he is.
9
15
16
8
u/antiramie Sep 15 '26
Really hope this energy continues during the midterm elections. Though I have less faith in US voters than indie Irish music artists doing the right thing.
9
u/RiflemanLax Sep 15 '26
Damn, tours falling apart Ed. Maybe you should have took a stand🤷♂️
→ More replies (2)
9
u/CapLeading9607 Sep 15 '26
I like that Ed Sheeran’s sniveling little statement included the sentence “I’m not complicit,” which is a thing most people who do not appear complicit in something do not have to say.
→ More replies (1)
16
14
u/stampylives Sep 15 '26
It’s actually a good chance for Ed to cancel the whole thing… “I didn’t cancel because I didn’t want to cancel the opportunity for the smaller bands and all the people who work on the concert; but as they’re leaving, there’s no reason for me to continue.”
→ More replies (1)
2.7k
u/pSyg0n Sep 15 '26
Rowe just pulled out too.