Several major artists publicly criticize Ed Sheeran after Macklemore is removed from Sheeran’s tour. Massive Attack, Garbage, and Roger Waters all issue remarks condemning the decision, framing it as a matter of artistic censorship rather than a dispute about any single performance.
In their statements, Massive Attack emphasizes that artists should not tolerate censorship by other artists, even when commercial pressures are involved. Garbage also responds, describing the Macklemore situation as a “major turning point,” while Roger Waters joins the broader call for artistic freedom. The outlets agree on who is criticizing whom and that the criticism follows Macklemore’s removal from the tour, but they differ in emphasis: some focus on the principle of non-censorship, while others underscore the moment as a broader industry shift.
Overall, the coverage centers on a public backlash to Sheeran’s decision and the support from well-known peers who argue the move sets an unfavorable precedent for artistic collaboration and expression.
