Jack Antonoff has weighed in on the controversy over Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's US tour, arguing that wealthy individuals should not control musicians' freedom of expression. The Bleachers frontman added that artists should resist external pressure and stand up for their convictions.
In a 25 October interview with The Guardian, Antonoff described the situation as an opportunity to challenge such influence. He suggested cancelling the tour and performing for free outside each venue to raise funds as a more impactful response.
Antonoff Challenges Billionaire Influence
Antonoff questioned the influence that promoters and wealthy venue owners have over artists' public expression and differing views. He also defended his support for Palestine, describing it as a humanitarian position rather than a controversial stance.
'They're going to let some fucking promoter tell me what I can say? Don't book me. I'll play for free outside,' he told The Guardian. '[Ed Sheeran] missed a massive, beautiful opportunity there: just cancel the whole fucking tour, then play for free outside each venue, raise a bunch of money, rather than let a fucking billionaire tell you what to do. The reason it's not an anomaly or niche issue is because we all live in a world where billionaires are constantly telling us what to do. So stand the fuck up.'
Jack Antonoff criticizes Ed Sheeran’s response to Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” comments in new @Guardian interview:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 26, 2026
“[Ed Sheeran] missed a massive, beautiful opportunity there: just cancel the whole f*cking tour, then play for free outside each venue, raise a bunch of money,… pic.twitter.com/5YxTJFhPBz
Antonoff has also criticised Live Nation over concert ticket prices. He explained that Bleachers tickets are priced 'as low as they can physically possibly be' and objected to a system that allows wealthy fans easier access to tickets, while others face a demoralising online experience.
How the Controversy Began
The dispute began in early September, when Macklemore supported Palestinians during Sheeran's opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He called for a 'Free Palestine' and performed 'Hind's Hall', his protest song addressing Israel's military campaign in Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.
The situation drew criticism from pro-Israel groups. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, described the controversy as involving hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric. Kraft also said Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at his venue.
Separately, on 14 September, promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the remaining US dates. The group cited venue warnings that they would cancel concerts if he remained on the bill.
Sheeran stated that the decision belonged to the promoter rather than himself. At a Philadelphia concert, he addressed the controversy, acknowledged mistakes in handling the situation, and clarified his position on political expression.
'I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,' Sheeran said.
He described the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 as horrific and called the situation in Gaza catastrophic and unjustifiable. Previously, Macklemore had criticised his reluctance to take a public stance.
Support Acts Withdraw From Tour
The repercussions also affected Sheeran's support acts. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Irish folk band Beoga withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Several artists also expressed opposition to efforts to silence performers who speak about Palestine.
Their departures left Sheeran without his usual supporting acts at the Philadelphia concert. Macklemore subsequently announced a separate Free Palestine tour in Europe, thereby continuing his advocacy for Palestinians.
