- Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio has removed Ed Sheeran's music from its airwaves “foreseeable future”, following “the reaction from our listeners” over Macklemore being dropped from the singer’s Loop tour.
- Macklemore was axed as a support act after saying “free Palestine” during a concert in New Jersey.
- Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft allegedly threatened to ban Sheeran from his venues if Macklemore remained on the tour.
- Every other support act on Sheeran’s tour, including Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, subsequently withdrew from all remaining dates in protest.
- “Dave Kelly, group programme director at Bay Broadcasting, which runs the station, said: “As an independent Irish-owned radio station ... we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.”
IN FULL
