Irish radio station Classic Hits has removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist for the foreseeable future following backlash over rapper Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour. The decision followed listener feedback and the departure of Irish artists like Aaron Rowe and Beoga from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who faced criticism for pro-Palestine remarks.
Classic Hits Radio’s decision to remove Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist has sparked significant discussion, with the station citing differing and strongly held views on the controversy surrounding the singer’s tour. The move, effective immediately, comes after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s US Loop Tour earlier this month for making comments supporting Palestine during performances. The station emphasized it was responding to listener feedback and the actions of Irish artists who exited the tour in protest.
Classic Hits Radio drops Ed Sheeran from playlist
Listener Feedback and Artist Actions
Classic Hits Radio, part of Bay Broadcasting Limited, stated it had carefully considered the decision to remove Sheeran’s music, which it described as not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran. The station acknowledged the singer’s explanation that the removal of Macklemore from the tour was not his decision but rather a choice by the tour promoter. However, it emphasized its commitment 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.
The controversy began when Macklemore was dropped from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after he made pro-Palestine remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In response, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and band Beoga pulled out of the tour, citing solidarity with Macklemore. Classic Hits Radio noted that these decisions influenced its programming choice, stating, Over recent days, the station has received feedback from listeners expressing disappointment and concern regarding the events surrounding the tour.
Classic Hits Radio to remove Ed Sheeran music 'for
The station, which broadcasts across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, and Clare, also highlighted its role as an independent Irish broadcaster. Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said the decision had been carefully considered
and stressed that it was not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran.
We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events,
he said. Kelly added that the station’s position was also influenced by its support for Irish artists who had chosen to leave Sheeran’s tour, stating, “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.”
Classic Hits Radio is part of Bay Broadcasting Limited, which also operates stations Radio Nova, Sunshine 106.8, and Galway Bay FM. The removal of Sheeran’s music will only apply to Classic Hits. Well-known names like Lucy Kennedy, Colm Hayes, Ruth Scott, and Niall Boylan feature across the station’s weekday schedule. It’s understood staff were informed of the move before the announcement was made public.
The station’s decision to remove Sheeran’s music will remain under review. It added that it will continue to assess both developments surrounding the situation and feedback from its listeners. Kelly reiterated the station’s commitment to peace, humanity, and respect, while emphasizing its role as an independent Irish broadcaster. We believe in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views,
he said.
Ed Sheeran music axed by Irish radio station 'for
Sheeran has addressed the situation, saying the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and not by him. The singer also said he had tried to reach a resolution. The controversy has also seen a number of artists pull out of the remaining tour dates, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga. Classic Hits acknowledged the differing opinions surrounding the situation, saying there were ‘differing and strongly held views’ and that it recognised Sheeran’s explanation.
Despite this, the station said it had ultimately decided to remove his music following consideration of its listeners’ views. The station’s statement emphasized that it places considerable importance on its relationship with its listeners and with the Irish music community.
It added that it has received feedback from listeners expressing disappointment and concern regarding the events surrounding the tour.
Classic Hits Radio confirmed that the move would remain under review and that it would continue to assess developments and feedback from listeners. The station’s decision reflects a balancing act between listener sentiment, support for Irish artists, and the broader implications of the Macklemore-Sheeran dispute. As the situation evolves, the station’s next steps will likely depend on ongoing dialogue with its audience.