Singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has dropped out as an opener on the North American leg of Ed Sheeran‘s Loop tour after fellow supporting act Macklemore was dismissed for voicing his support for Palestine.
“But as Irish people,” he continued, “we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.” He ended his note by declaring, “Free Palestine.”
In tandem with Rowe’s announcement, Irish band Beoga stated that they would also be departing the Loop tour. “We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be,” they said in a statement on social media. “We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people… We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”
