Artists like Sam Fender, Macklemore and other celebrities rallied to support Aaron Rowe after he dropped out of the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour.Rowe showed solidarity with Palestine and protested Macklemore's (real name Benjamin Hammond Haggerty) removal in a September 15 Instagram post. The Can’t Hold Us rapper was reportedly pulled out of Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian statements and for performing his protest song Hind's Hall at MetLife Stadium.Rowe shared on Instagram:“I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop’ North American Tour. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostRowe further wrote that he understands forced famine and occupation, and he cannot be a part of a tour that attempts to silence voices speaking against the conflict in Gaza. Artists like Fender, Macklemore and others took to the comment section to support Rowe’s decision.Aaron Rowe withdraws from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop tourAccording to a report in Variety, Aaron Rowe has withdrawn from the remainder of Ed Sheeran’s North American "Loop" tour.He shared his statement on Instagram, beginning by acknowledging his friendship with Sheeran, who changed his life, and expressing his gratitude. He then highlighted his support for free speech against the Israeli genocide, stating that he cannot participate in an event where “billionaires” attempt to silence such voices. His statement read:“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.”Rowe's statement on the social media platform drew reactions from several celebrities, including musicians and artists. Sam Fender took to the comments section of Aaron Rowe’s Instagram post, calling him a “legend.” They share a professional friendship in the music industry, with Rowe showing his gratitude towards Fender and other artists like Lewis Capaldi in interviews. During an interview with Clash last year, Rowe said:“In the past 12 months, 100% they’ve all really looked after me. I owe them so much. It’s not like sports – it’s not like one person is trying to be more successful than the next. And I think musicians – at their core – are fans of music as well. I’m just a great admirer of them all.”In August 2025, Aaron Rowe performed a supporting act for Fender, including opening for a major concert at Belfast's Boucher Road Playing Fields. Among other artists, Macklemore dropped a heart emoji followed by the Palestine flag emoji.Sam Fender, Macklemore and more celebrities support Aaron Rowe as Irish singer drops out of Ed Sheeran Tour (Source: Instagram/aaronrowe__)British singer-songwriter Beth McCarthy noted how crucial it must have been for Aaron Rowe to skip a huge platform like the Loop Tour that could have helped in boosting his career and wrote:“this is a huge statement for any artist but particularly one who’s [sic] career and life would have been changed astronomically by a tour like this. very moved by this decision as a fellow artist as i can only imagine how conflicting it was to make it. so much respect and love and youve [sic] earned a new fan!!”Palestinian activist and digital creator Hamzah Saadah, also known as hamzahpali, commented:“Thank you for your humanity.”British-born activist and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights Jameela Jamil remarked:“Everyone go follow him and stream his music.”Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga are among other supporting acts who withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour in solidarity with Macklemore.