Ed Sheeran blames US tour promoter for dropping Macklemore

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Published: 2026-09-16T00:15:23.626Z • Permanent link

Ed Sheeran has publicly blamed his US tour promoter, Live Nation Entertainment, for dropping Macklemore from his co-headlining tour. The incident occurred on August 29, 2022, when the three acts performed in Los Angeles at the Rose Bowl stadium. Sheeran took to social media to express his disappointment, stating that he was informed of Macklemore's departure just hours before the show. Macklemore, a critically acclaimed rapper, had been part of the tour since its inception in July 2022.

Macklemore's departure was seen as a significant blow to the tour, which was expected to attract a large and diverse audience. Live Nation Entertainment, one of the largest live entertainment companies in the world, was reportedly seeking to revamp the tour's lineup in response to declining ticket sales. However, Sheeran and Macklemore were reportedly not consulted on the decision, leading to the rapper's sudden departure from the tour.

Live Nation Entertainment has since denied any wrongdoing, stating that Macklemore's departure was a result of his decision to leave the tour. However, the incident has raised questions about the treatment of artists and the business practices of large live entertainment companies. Sheeran's comments have sparked a wider debate about the power dynamics at play in the music industry, with some arguing that artists are being increasingly marginalized by their promoters and managers.

The incident has significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain, particularly in the areas of live entertainment and artist management. Live Nation Entertainment is one of the largest players in the live entertainment industry, with a significant presence in the US and globally. The company's decision to drop Macklemore from the tour has raised concerns about the company's commitment to its artists and the potential for similar incidents to occur in the future.

Research communities and markets have long been aware of the challenges faced by artists in the live entertainment industry. However, the incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. Companies like Live Nation Entertainment must be held accountable for their treatment of artists, and policymakers must take steps to ensure that the interests of artists are protected.

The incident also has broader implications for the music industry as a whole. The rise of streaming services has disrupted traditional business models, leading to a shift towards more flexible and artist-centric approaches. However, the incident highlights the need for greater cooperation and communication between artists, promoters, and managers in order to ensure that the interests of all parties are protected.