The fallout from Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour has reached New Zealand, with “Free Palestine” spray-painted across a mural of the British superstar in Dunedin.
The mural, painted by Dunedin artist Tyler Kennedy Stent, was defaced on Thursday as the controversy surrounding Sheeran’s Loop Tour continued to escalate.
The mural was painted for Sheeran’s three Dunedin concerts in 2018, which drew 108,000 people. The $8350 artwork became a popular selfie spot – including for Sheeran himself – and survived plans to redevelop the street, with the building’s owner confirming in 2024 it would remain.
It comes after every one of Sheeran’s scheduled opening acts walked away from the tour following Macklemore’s removal, while Irish band Beoga also quit as Sheeran’s touring band.
Macklemore said on Tuesday that Sheeran had been given an ultimatum following his pro-Palestine performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Stuff
Face of the Day
Macklemore said on Tuesday that Sheeran had been given an ultimatum following his pro-Palestine performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Related
Face of the Day
“Jim dedicated his life to public service, education, and regional development. A widely respected educator, he shaped countless young minds throughout his career.”
Face of the Day
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown responded swiftly, firing out a press release accusing Minister Watts of “picking a fight” with the council and breaching promises made to elected members earlier this year.
Face of the Day
Big Hairy Network co-host Mike “Chewie” Bennett said he was ejected from Mr Henry’s event at Dunedin’s Glenroy Auditorium on Thursday night.
Face of the Day
At the time of the 2025 burglary, Yates had just served a sentence of home detention for other burglaries and was still subject to release conditions. Yates was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.
Latest
Good Oil General Debate
Please read our rules before you start commenting on The Good Oil to avoid a temporary or permanent ban.
The Good Oil Word of the Day
The word for today is… zeugma (noun) - : the use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each word in a different sense (as "opened" in "opened the door and her heart to the stray
The Good Oil Daily Bible Verse
Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
