Isaac Slade Fills Opening Slot on Ed Sheeran's Tour After Support Acts Exit
Isaac Slade, formerly of The Fray, has taken over as the main opening act on Ed Sheeran's tour after Sheeran's prior support acts withdrew in support of Macklemore. Slade made a surprise appearance in Atlanta and will continue with shows in Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, and Tampa. He told audiences he respects both Macklemore and Sheeran and called for finding common ground.
Isaac Slade, once the frontman of The Fray, has become the primary opener on Ed Sheeran’s North American “LOOP” tour. He appeared unannounced in Atlanta and is set for Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, and Tampa.
His addition follows Macklemore’s removal after stadium operators, including Robert Kraft, objected to his pro-Palestine stage comments and threatened to block him. In response, FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga all left the tour. In Atlanta, Slade said he respected both artists and urged listeners to seek shared ground.
This lineup change could affect concertgoers who expected the original openers, the artists navigating political expression and venue pressure, and tour workers. Fans may experience a different show, while the dispute could deepen public debate over performers’ views, commercial partners, and free expression. It may also influence how promoters and venues respond to controversial statements, perhaps making some acts more cautious or more outspoken. How audiences receive Slade’s unity message could shape the tour’s atmosphere and the wider conversation.