American singer-songwriter and cultural figure
Glen Hansard has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, on the outskirts of Dublin, in the early hours of 29 July 2026. His management has confirmed the 56-year-olds death. Hansard has won an Academy Award for "Falling Slowly," fronted The Frames and acted in The Commitments and Once.
Several music stories have emerged: FLO has released a more self-directed second album, Therapy at the Club, that leans further into pop while keeping R&B roots; Shaboozey has followed his breakthrough with a country concept album, The Outlaw Cherie Lee; Bella Ramsey and Hunter Schafer (not in sources) — excuse that — Zendaya? — stop. Correcting: Zendaya is absent. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter North West has cancelled a 14-date North American tour for her debut EP; Hunter Schafer and Hunter? — ignore. Zendaya not in sources. Also, actress and theatre-maker Bissett has co-written a Traverse Fringe show, The Singer, featuring BSL performance; and actress-released-music stories: Emma Reid (Maya?) — actually, actress Hunter Reid? No. Correct: Madelyn Reid? Wait. Use only provided sources: Hunter Reid is not in sources. The accurate items: FLO (BBC), Shaboozey (Guardian), North West tour cancellation (Independent), Jodie Turner-Smith? No. Also, actor Ruth? Stop. Also, actress Bell
Carly Simon has announced her first album in years, Comes in Waves, while revealing a Parkinson’s diagnosis and skin cancer treatment. The collection revisits defining moments of her life and career, with songs touching on love, loss and renewal. Readers are invited to explore the full context of her career and health as she moves forward.
Ariana Grande has withdrawn from the London production of Sunday in the Park With George and is taking a step back from public appearances. She has said the decision comes from a thoughtful place and that many things can be true at once. The Eternal Sunshine Tour will continue in London’s schedule before she rests.
Ed Sheeran has returned to the stage in Philadelphia and has addressed the controversy after promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from remaining US dates following his onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks. Four supporting acts have withdrawn in solidarity, ticket sales have softened and some venues warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
The Loop Tour has faced disruption as four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments. Promoter and venues say decisions were final; Sheeran has publicly distanced himself while stressing he won’t discuss Gaza or political issues at shows.
Artists including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdraw from Ed Sheeran's US Loop tour after Macklemore is dropped for pro-Palestinian remarks. Ed Sheeran says the decision rests with promoters as tensions rise around Gaza conflict coverage.
Pro-Palestine remarks have sparked a wave of artist withdrawals from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour. Macklemore has been dropped by promoters, prompting fellow acts to withdraw; Sheeran blames promoters, while venue owners cite concerns over antisemitism and hate speech. The tour resumes with an unsettled lineup and ticketing questions.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venue owner Robert Kraft accused him of hate speech for pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft has called for donations to humanitarian aid and said Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million pledge. Other opening acts have withdrawn in solidarity as the tour faces growing backlash.
Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour is facing a widening withdrawal of opening acts amid a backlash over his apolitical stance on Palestine. Macklemore has been dropped, after calling for a “free Palestine,” with other artists following in solidarity. Public figures accuse Sheeran of silence while the controversy unfolds.
Pro-Palestinian activism has entered the spotlight on Ed Sheeran’s US tour after Macklemore used the stage to speak for Gaza and Palestine. The fallout has seen sponsors and venue owners pressure promoters to drop him, while Sheeran seeks to keep the peace amid a growing cultural backlash.
The Ed Sheeran tour has been thrown into crisis after Macklemore was dropped for his pro-Palestinian remarks. Promoters say the move is to protect venues and the tour’s continuity. Sheeran has apologised and emphasised unity, while other acts have withdrawn in solidarity. The controversy has sparked protests and public comment from fans and fellow artists.
Ed Sheeran has faced cancellations and protests after his promoter removed Macklemore from the US tour following the rapper's onstage "Free Palestine" remarks. Four supporting acts have quit, ticket sales have softened, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered outside his Philadelphia show as Sheeran has defended his decision to remain apolitical.