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Classic Hits has removed Ed Sheeran from its playlist, saying his songs will be absent “for the foreseeable future.” The station said the change follows listener feedback after the controversy surrounding the US leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
What the station announced
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The move, the Irish broadcaster said, will take effect on Thursday. Classic Hits stated the decision followed an assessment of responses from its audience and will remain under review.
How the tour dispute prompted the action
The controversy began after support act Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates following comments he made in support of Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium. Organisers subsequently altered the tour line-up.
Ed Sheeran has publicly said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and not by him, and that he sought a solution to the situation. The dispute also led several performers, including Irish singer‑songwriter Aaron Rowe and the band Beoga, to withdraw from the remaining shows.
Why Classic Hits made the call
Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said the station weighed listener views carefully. He described the choice as “carefully considered” and emphasised it was “not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran.”
Kelly added the station had taken account of Sheeran’s explanation and of the decisions made by Irish artists who pulled out of the tour. As an independent Irish‑owned broadcaster, he said Classic Hits felt it important to listen to its audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who acted on their convictions.
Position and next steps
The station framed its stance around broader values, saying it supports “peace, humanity and respect,” and the right of artists to express sincerely held views. It confirmed the playlist change is not necessarily permanent and will be kept under review as events and listener feedback evolve.
