Casey's Criticism of Sheeran
Ken Casey, the frontman of Dropkick Murphys, has spoken out against Ed Sheeran's handling of Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour. In an interview with Boston Public Radio, Casey said that during his 30 years as a musician, he has always chosen the opening acts for his tours, describing that relationship as one of brotherhood and family. He argued that Sheeran, by not standing with his tour partner, took the knee regardless of the cause, and that this approach does not align with how Dropkick Murphys would act. Casey's comments drew applause during the taping.[S1]
Casey further argued that promoters have no business controlling what takes place during a performance, since audiences are not there to watch the promoter. He pointed out that Sheeran blamed the promoter Messina Touring Group, along with venue pressure, for Macklemore's removal. In a statement from Macklemore, Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, was said to have orchestrated a pressure effort aimed at pushing him off the tour.[S1]
Macklemore's Response and Donation Pledge
Following his departure from the tour, Macklemore held firm, promising $1 million to organizations supporting Palestinians and daring Robert Kraft to give the same amount. Kraft then issued a statement saying Sheeran had phoned him and requested that he pledge $2 million to equal his donation, with the goal of helping the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis. A representative for Sheeran did not immediately reply to Rolling Stone's request for comment regarding that statement.[S1]
Casey on Artistic Integrity
Casey stressed the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, saying that all the artists he admired as a kid stood by what they sang about. He warned that once an artist lets that go, their music loses its worth. He shared an example from the Rocklahoma Festival in Oklahoma, where the band has been outspoken about the Trump administration. Casey said they said what they had to say onstage every night, and about 50 percent of the audience walked away. He was told immediately afterward that this angered the site owner, and he is sure they will not be invited back.[S1]
