Irish radio drops Ed Sheeran from playlist over tour controversy
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- Irish radio station Classic Hits has removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist following controversy over Macklemore’s departure from Sheeran’s US tour.
- The station said the decision followed listener feedback and was not intended as a personal judgment of Sheeran.
Irish radio station Classic Hits has removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist “for the foreseeable future” following controversy over the departure of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran’s US tour.
The decision took effect Thursday after the station said it received significant feedback from listeners. It comes after Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga also withdrew from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
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Macklemore was removed from the remaining US tour dates after expressing support for Palestine while performing as a support act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.
Sheeran later said the decision was made by the tour promoter rather than by him. The British singer said he had attempted to find a resolution to the situation.
Classic Hits acknowledged Sheeran’s explanation, while noting that listeners held “differing and strongly held views” about the circumstances.
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Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said the decision had been “carefully considered” and was not intended as a personal judgment against Sheeran.
“We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events,” Kelly said.
He added that, as an independent Irish-owned station, Classic Hits believed it was important to listen to its audience and support Irish artists who had made significant professional decisions based on their convictions.
Kelly said the station had closely followed listeners’ reactions and respected Rowe and Beoga’s decisions to leave the tour.
“Ultimately, our position is a simple one. We believe in peace, humanity and respect, and in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views,” he said.
Classic Hits said the decision would remain under review as it continues to monitor developments and feedback from its listeners.
