Tom Morello has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour, arguing that the discussion has become too focused on Sheeran rather than the issues that Macklemore was addressing from the stage.
Macklemore was removed from the remainder of Sheeran’s tour in September after several venues reportedly objected to having him on the bill following his outspoken support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The tour’s promoter said venues had indicated they would not host shows with Macklemore remaining on the lineup.
The fallout also saw the other scheduled opening acts withdraw from the tour.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Morello was asked about the controversy while discussing his latest solo album ‘Everyone Gets Everything They Want’. The Rage Against The Machine guitarist argued that the focus on Sheeran has distracted from the broader issues involved.
“In some ways it’s a distraction, and in some ways it’s the whole thing. It’s a distraction because Ed Sheeran is not a victim or someone we should be focusing on, nor is Macklemore.”
Morello said he believes the debate over what artists can say onstage raises broader questions about who has the power to determine what speech is allowed at major concerts.
“But on the other hand, it’s the whole thing, where the idea that a handful of ruling class billionaires get to decide what speech can occur on a concert stage is a very worrying element.”
When asked directly whether the attention surrounding Sheeran had become a distraction, Morello was even more blunt, questioning whether the singer should have been surprised by Macklemore’s activism.
“Yeah, 100 percent. It’s all right to shame him in this moment because he deserves the shame, but not the focus.”
“First of all, has Ed Sheeran never seen a Macklemore performance before in the last three years? He certainly should’ve known what he was getting into.”
Morello went on to connect the controversy to his broader views on artistic expression and activism, arguing that musicians should continue using their platforms to address issues they believe are important.
“And so my hope at each one of my shows, I deputize the audience as anti-fascist crime fighters, and that’s really the way that I think you have to look at the world right now.”
The comments arrive as the controversy continues to generate discussion throughout the music world. Macklemore has since announced a European “Free Palestine” tour following his removal from Sheeran’s trek, with proceeds set to benefit organizations supporting Palestinians.
Morello, meanwhile, released ‘Everyone Gets Everything They Want’ on September 25 via Mom + Pop Music, with the album featuring guest appearances from Serj Tankian, Kneecap, Beartooth and Morello’s son Roman Morello.
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