Isaac Slade performed The Fray hits during Sheeran’s Atlanta concert as the Loop Tour continued after several supporting acts withdrew over Macklemore’s removal.
Ed Sheeran brought in Isaac Slade to open his show in Atlanta after previous opening acts quit the tour. Slade is the former lead singer of The Fray and performed songs like ‘How to Save a Life’ and ‘You Found Me’. He also referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza during his set.
This came after Macklemore was removed from the tour as a response to his public support of Palestinian rights, according to USA Today. Sheeran had previously performed without an opening act in Philadelphia after the other acts withdrew their support, according to a report from Rolling Stone. The singer’s Massachusetts concerts were also canceled due to a nor’easter; this gave him time to find a replacement.
Before the Atlanta concert it was revealed that Slade had filled the opening slot originally meant for Macklemore. Slade spoke about the need to find common ground amid global conflict and said taking sides is not enough. He described peace as something that includes both beauty and sorrow while requiring people to hold each other in balance.
Sheeran’s Loop Tour continues on October 10; it is unclear if Slade will be part of the next show.
Zach Bryan also made headlines during this time by wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ shirt at his shows in Gillette Stadium. TMZ reported on the appearances. His second appearance there was no different from the first; he again wore a ‘Free Palestine’ shirt. Bryan’s band also wore similar shirts during his Friday night performance.
Zach Bryan’s drummer joined in by wearing a jersey honoring Hind Rajab who was a Palestinian girl killed in 2024. Bryan’s actions sparked attention and discussion about support for Palestinian causes among musicians.
Sheeran has expressed his own views on the conflict and called the suffering on both sides a human tragedy. He emphasized that there is room for different approaches to achieving peace.
Other artists like Finneas O’Connell and Lukas Graham also pulled out of the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Macklemore had announced a Free Palestine Tour after being removed from Sheeran’s tour. He pledged to donate proceeds from the tour to organizations supporting Palestinians.
IMAGE: Source Own work Author Jeffrey Beall CC3