SHERAN ADDS SLADE AND ROSSER TO LOOP TOUR DATES

Isaac Slade, former lead singer of The Fray, and Brooks Rosser, a contestant on season 24 of American Idol, have joined Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour as supporting acts. The changes follow the departure of US rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour after making comments about Gaza during performances. A series of other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the remaining dates, including Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish vocalist Lukas Graham, Sheeran's backing band Beoga, and musician Finneas, the brother of Billie Eilish.

Slade will perform at Sheeran's shows in Indianapolis on 10 October, Charlotte on 17 October, Arlington on 24 October and Tampa on 7 November. He confirmed the dates on Instagram, writing "See you out there," and had already appeared on stage during Sheeran's Atlanta show on 3 October. Rosser will join the Indianapolis date on 10 October, writing on Instagram that it would be his first show since American Idol and describing himself as "beyond excited and grateful" to open for Sheeran at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Sheeran has further tour dates scheduled in Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, though no supporting acts have yet been announced for those shows. The run of withdrawals began after Macklemore's comments at two shows in New Jersey led to his removal from the tour. Slade and Rosser's additions mean Sheeran now has confirmed support for his remaining North American dates this month and in November.