Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey has voiced his opinion on the recent controversy involving Ed Sheeran and Macklemore. Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour after making comments in support of Palestinians during a concert. The comments were made during Sheeran's September 4 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey where Macklemore said "free Palestine" while introducing his song "Hind's Hall."
The New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued an ultimatum to Sheeran, demanding that Macklemore be taken off the tour or face cancellation of a show. Kraft owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts where Sheeran's Loop Tour was scheduled to perform. Sheeran later said several venue owners had told the tour that they would not host concerts if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
Kraft encouraged other stadium owners to take similar actions, according to Consequence. Kraft said his objection was based on Macklemore's comments at MetLife Stadium and what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that had been offensive to members of the Jewish community. Macklemore has said his criticism of Israel and its actions in Gaza is not criticism of Jewish people.
Casey spoke with Boston Public Radio about the situation, saying that Dropkick Murphys has always stood behind the bands it selects as opening acts during tours. He described this support as a form of brotherhood and family within the music industry. Casey said bands should "live or die" with the performers they choose to bring on the road.
Casey believed that Sheeran should have stood by his fellow performer even if the cause was controversial. He noted that he himself had upset some fans with his political messaging at Rocklahoma festival, but felt it was necessary to speak out. Casey said Dropkick Murphys probably lost half the audience during the festival because of his political comments.
Dropkick Murphys will be performing at the Power to the People festival in Columbia, Maryland, before heading to Australia and New Zealand with Rise Against. The festival is scheduled for October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion and also includes Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Public Enemy and other performers.
Aaron Rowe, who was originally scheduled to open for Sheeran’s Loop Tour, has also come forward to defend the singer, according to a report from Rolling Stone. Rowe withdrew from the tour after Macklemore's removal. He was joined by Finneas, Lukas Graham and the other supporting performers.
Rowe said that people are focusing on the wrong person in the controversy and should instead look at Robert Kraft. He stated that he did not think Macklemore should have been removed from the tour.
Rowe believed that panic led to a rushed decision by Sheeran’s team. He said he had not spoken much with Sheeran but believes the singer understands that the removal was a mistake. Rowe mentioned that all the artists on the tour supported Palestinians in Gaza.
Sheeran said publicly that Macklemore's removal was not his decision. He said the promoter and venues made the final decision after he spent days trying to find another solution. Sheeran said he did not want to cancel shows because fans had made plans and touring employees depended on the concerts for work.
The dispute grew after all four remaining supporting acts withdrew from upcoming dates. Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking in support of people they believe are oppressed. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga also withdrew.
He criticized the media and music industry for not doing enough to support free speech during the situation. Rowe said that those with power and influence should be held accountable instead of Sheeran.
Macklemore responded by pledging to donate one million dollars to Palestinian support groups. The money represents what Macklemore said he was paid for appearing on Sheeran's tour. He said it would go to six organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
He challenged Kraft to match that donation. Kraft responded with a statement saying he would contribute two million dollars to help the region during the humanitarian crisis. He claimed that his donation matched one from Sheeran.
A representative for Ed Sheeran did not respond to requests for comment about the statement. Reuters reported that Kraft said Sheeran had committed to giving $2 million but Sheeran had not publicly confirmed that donation as of September 18.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about political activism in music and how artists support each other on tour. It has also raised questions within the music industry about how much control performers, promoters and stadium owners have when disagreements arise over a supporting artist. The Associated Press reported that major performers generally have significant influence over their tours while promoters handle much of the logistics and financial risk and venue owners can refuse to host a show.