Beoga on quitting Ed Sheeran’s tour: ‘You have to hold your friends accountable’

Irish traditional ensemble Beoga, known for their understated approach and long-standing collaboration with Ed Sheeran, made headlines this autumn after withdrawing from Sheeran’s Loop tour in North America. Their departure came as a direct response to the controversial exclusion of American rapper Macklemore from the tour's opening lineup following his public support for Palestine.

Beoga, which has been together for over 25 years and includes members such as singer and violinist Niamh Dunne and bodhrán player Eamon Murray, were integral to Sheeran’s live performances. Acting as his sole onstage band during the Loop tour, they played to audiences exceeding 50,000, securing unprecedented job stability in their careers. Their association with Sheeran spanned more than a decade and included songwriting collaborations on hits like "Galway Girl" and "Nancy Mulligan."

In early September, Macklemore performed at two shows in New Jersey, where he openly advocated for a free Palestine, performing his song "Hind’s Hall." This activism triggered backlash from the Israeli-American Council, which petitioned for his removal. Influential venue owners, notably Robert Kraft of Gillette Stadium, reportedly opposed Macklemore’s presence. By mid-September, Macklemore was removed from the remainder of the tour’s opening acts.

Sheeran issued a statement distancing himself from the decision, attributing it to promoters rather than his personal choice. This prompted Beoga, alongside other supporting acts such as Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Finneas, to withdraw from the tour in protest, emphasizing that playing in venues censoring pro-Palestinian voices conflicted with their principles.

The band's decision was swift and unanimous, described by members as an easy moral stance despite the serious professional and financial consequences involved. Their announcement, however, thrust them unexpectedly into the media spotlight—something they had historically avoided, preferring to focus on their music without seeking fame.

Beoga's members returned to Ireland amid significant personal and professional milestones: Dunne’s father receiving a lifetime-achievement award for uilleann piping and Murray’s wife winning singer of the year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil. The band was preparing to resume touring in the U.S. when the dispute escalated, leading to their collective refusal to continue.

The fallout has been profound. While Sheeran later expressed regret and vulnerability over the situation during a solo Philadelphia show, Beoga maintained that words without corresponding actions—such as canceling shows—were insufficient responses to the censorship they opposed. They believe the issue transcends individual artists, underscoring the need for accountability and concrete support for free speech.

Back home, Beoga has experienced strong community support from both local audiences and the broader Irish music scene. Their activism extends beyond this incident; they co-founded Irish Artists for Palestine and have been active in protests and cultural exchange projects to raise awareness and funds for Palestinian artists and causes.

Despite the rupture, Beoga has not severed personal ties with Sheeran. They view the situation as a work in progress, hoping future dialogue and tangible actions might bridge differences. Meanwhile, they continue to engage with audiences through upcoming performances in Ireland, including appearances at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards and shows supported by prominent Irish musicians.

The band acknowledges the broader implications of their stand, highlighting how collective labor actions within the music industry could influence venue and promoter policies. Their stance connects with Ireland’s historical experiences of colonization, fostering empathy toward Palestine's struggle.

Beoga’s unexpected rise in public profile following their departure—evidenced by a dramatic increase in social media followers and widespread support—demonstrates the power of principled stands in the music world. As the situation evolves, they remain committed to using their platform to advocate for justice and free expression, emphasizing that the responsibility extends beyond artists to all workers and fans in the industry.