Ed Sheeran's music dropped from Classic Hits Radio playlist

Classic Hits Radio drops Ed Sheeran from playlist

17 Sep 2026, 08:17 by Suzanne Keane, https://www.facebook.com/rteentertainment/ · RTE.ie

Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio has announced that it is removing Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist "for the foreseeable future" following the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the singer’s US tour.

The move takes effect from Thursday and follows feedback from listeners, as well as the withdrawal of a number of artists from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after making comments in support of Palestine while performing as a support act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.

Sheeran has since said the decision to remove the US rapper was made by the tour promoter and was not his, adding that he had tried to find a resolution.

Macklemore during a gig at St Anne's Park in Dublin in June 2025

Classic Hits said it recognised that there were "differing and strongly held views" on the circumstances and acknowledged Sheeran’s explanation.

However, after considering feedback from its audience, the station said it had decided to remove his music from its playlist.

Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said the move had been "carefully considered" and was "not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran".

"We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events," he said.

"As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions."

Kelly said the station had listened carefully to the reaction from listeners over recent days and respected the decisions taken by Rowe and Beoga to leave the tour.

"Ultimately, our position is a simple one. We believe in peace, humanity and respect, and in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views," he said.

Classic Hits said the move would remain under review and that it would continue to assess developments and feedback from listeners.