American singer-songwriter known for acrobatic performances and pop-rock hits
William Orbit, the London-born producer behind Madonna’s Ray of Light, has died at home on 23 July. His work spans Torch Song, Bassomatic, Beth Orton, Blur and All Saints, reshaping late-90s pop with electronic textures. Tributes have poured in from peers and artists who collaborated with him.
Tributes have poured in following Dolly Parton’s death at 80, with fans and peers sharing memories and AI-generated tributes raising ethical questions. Parton’s family highlights the need for compassion and respect amid a flood of content, while friends and industry figures reflect on her business legacy and philanthropy.
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 Four supporting acts have withdrawn in solidarity, ticket sales have softened and some venues warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Pink has addressed backlash over her reposting of a message criticizing Macklemore’s remarks at Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium show, stating she does not speak for Israel or any government. She reiterates Hamas is a terrorist organization and Palestinians deserve a future with dignity, while she explains she would have chosen different words if she had written the post herself.
Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venues objected to his onstage calls for Free Palestine. Messina Touring Group says the move follows discussions with stakeholders and could affect hundreds of thousands of fans. The tour will resume in Philadelphia on Sept. 19 with Sheeran continuing as the headlining act.
The billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium has confirmed he pressured Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s participation in a US tour, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore was removed from remaining dates, drawing scrutiny of the interplay between wealth, politics and culture.
Ed Sheeran has publicly condemned the Gaza crisis as catastrophic and unjustifiable while maintaining a stance that his shows are not political. The controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour is shaping discussions about freedom of speech, venue decisions, and the balance between art and politics.
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.
Macklemore has pledged to donate the entirety of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six Palestinian-focused organizations. The move follows his onstage call for Free Palestine and subsequent fallout with tour promoters. Several opening acts have quit in solidarity, and high-profile figures have offered matching donations.
Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after a pro-Palestine speech. The move has sparked a debate on politics in music, with backers and critics arguing over artist responsibility while venues and promoters face pressure. Sheeran has stated the decision came from promoters, not him, and aims to keep concerts as safe spaces.