U2 have publicly addressed the recent industry controversy involving Macklemore, who was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour following his outspoken support for Palestine. The legendary Irish group has taken a firm stance, arguing that no billionaire, promoter, or venue owner possesses the authority to silence a musician.
U2 perform from a balcony for Mexican fans in Mexico City on May 12, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images for U2)
In a recent conversation with BBC News, guitarist The Edge expressed clear solidarity with Macklemore’s right to express his views, while simultaneously suggesting that Ed Sheeran should not be unfairly targeted for the situation. “We totally support Macklemore’s right as an artist to say what he wanted to say,” The Edge stated. He further emphasized that the singer, who faced immense pressure during the tour, should not be vilified.
The band also voiced their approval for the various support acts who chose to leave the tour in a show of solidarity with Macklemore. According to U2, these artists were taking a principled stand in defense of freedom of expression, which the band views as the fundamental issue at stake.
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Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. echoed these sentiments, highlighting that political engagement is a matter of personal choice and human rights for any performer. “But we as a band will fight for the right to speak your mind as long as it doesn’t incite violence. And even if we disagree with it or don’t like it, nobody has a right – no billionaire, no promoter, no owner has the right to censor anybody. Um, but they will definitely not be censoring us ever,” Mullen Jr. added.
The dispute originated in September during Sheeran’s 'Loop Tour' at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where Macklemore performed his track 'Hind’s Hall' and advocated for the protection of Palestinians. The performance drew sharp criticism from figures such as New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, leading to the rapper's removal from subsequent dates. Sheeran has since maintained that he was not involved in the decision, noting his desire for his concerts to serve as a neutral space.
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This follows previous comments from Bono, who noted that Sheeran had expressed a desire to remain apolitical during their own recent creative collaborations. Meanwhile, Macklemore has continued his advocacy through a series of benefit concerts in Europe, though he reports that multiple major US venues have denied him bookings once they learned the nature of his shows.
