Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour has lost another opening act, with Finneas O’Connell announcing his departure from the remaining North American dates. The move comes just weeks after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following controversial remarks he made during a pro-Palestine rally in Seattle.
Finneas Exits Tour Citing Scheduling Conflicts
Finneas, the Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist known for his work with sister Billie Eilish, confirmed he would no longer serve as a supporting act for Sheeran’s stadium run. In a statement shared to social media, Finneas wrote: “Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with my own project timelines, I’m unable to continue as support on the remaining Ed Sheeran tour dates. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one I have to make for my own creative path.”
The announcement leaves Sheeran without two high-profile openers in quick succession, raising questions about the tour’s support bill for its final leg across the United States and Canada.
Macklemore Removed After “Free Palestine” Chant
The instability follows the removal of Macklemore, who had been scheduled to open several shows earlier this summer. The Seattle rapper was dropped after video surfaced of him leading a “Free Palestine” chant at a pro-Palestinian protest in his hometown. Sheeran’s team later confirmed the decision in a brief statement, saying the tour “aims to remain a non-political space for music and connection.”
Macklemore responded on Instagram, writing: “I stand by what I said. Art and activism have always been inseparable for me. I have no regrets.”
Tour Continues Amid Lineup Shifts
Despite the turnover, Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour continues its North American stadium run through September. The British singer-songwriter has not announced replacement openers for the affected dates. Ticket holders for shows originally featuring Finneas or Macklemore have been notified that the main performance schedule remains unchanged.
Industry observers note the unusual frequency of opener changes on a major stadium tour, though representatives for Sheeran insist the transitions are logistical rather than political.
