{"id":3129,"date":"2026-09-17T13:06:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wirepost.online\/?p=3129"},"modified":"2026-09-17T13:17:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:17:44","slug":"irish-radio-station-drops-ed-sheerans-music-amid-tour-controversy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wirepost.online\/?p=3129","title":{"rendered":"Irish Radio Station Drops Ed Sheeran\u2019s Music Amid Tour Controversy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dublin, Ireland \u2014 September 17, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writer: <\/em>Lydia Audi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The fallout from Ed Sheeran’s current US tour has reached the Irish airwaves. Classic Hits Radio, an independent Irish-owned station, announced on Thursday that it is removing all of Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist for the “foreseeable future”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision comes in the wake of significant controversy surrounding the removal of US rapper Macklemore from Sheeran’s “Loop Tour”. Macklemore was dropped as a supporting act after making on-stage statements in support of Palestine during a concert at MetLife Stadium. While Sheeran has stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoters and not by him, the incident has sparked widespread backlash and led several other artists to withdraw from the tour in solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing with Irish Artists<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The radio station’s boycott is specifically aimed at showing solidarity with Irish acts who have also pulled out of Sheeran’s tour. Following Macklemore’s exit, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and the traditional Irish band Beoga, who famously collaborated with Sheeran on the hit song “Galway Girl”both announced their withdrawal from the tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dave Kelly, the Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting (which operates Classic Hits Radio), released a statement explaining that the programming change was heavily influenced by audience feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Our decision to remove Ed Sheeran\u2019s music from the Classic Hits Radio playlist has been carefully considered,” Kelly stated. “It is not intended as a personal judgment on Ed Sheeran, and we acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Kelly emphasized the station’s commitment to its local artists and listeners: “As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, 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.”<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Growing Ripple Effect<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The controversy highlights the increasing pressure on artists and industry figures regarding geopolitical issues.<\/sup>While Macklemore has pledged to donate his $1 million in tour earnings to charities supporting the Palestinian people, other artists withdrawing from the tour have cited similar moral stances. Beoga noted their commitment to activism as founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, while Aaron Rowe stated he could not stand by and allow billionaires to silence voices speaking up for justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classic Hits Radio noted that its programming decision will remain under review as the station continues to assess developments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dublin, Ireland \u2014 September 17, 2026 Writer: Lydia Audi The fallout from Ed Sheeran’s current US tour has reached the Irish airwaves. 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