Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has pulled out of the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour in protest after fellow support act Macklemore was removed for publicly voicing support for Palestine. Rowe framed his departure as a moral decision rooted in Ireland’s history of colonization, famine and occupation, saying he could not continue while wealthy individuals or venue owners silenced artists who denounce violence and civilian deaths. He thanked Sheeran personally for his support and opportunities, but prioritized political solidarity, concluding his statement with a call to free Palestine. Rowe had previously opened on the Australian leg and rejoined the tour in June.
The withdrawals escalated as other support acts - including Lukas Graham, Finneas and Beoga - also exited following Rowe’s announcement. The controversy began after Macklemore shouted pro-Palestine remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4-5 and was subsequently removed; Macklemore accused Patriots owner Robert Kraft of coordinating stadium owners to ban him. Ed Sheeran clarified he did not order Macklemore’s ejection, attributing the decision to promoters and venues and emphasizing his preference to stay publicly neutral on political matters.
Summary generated by AI from the linked article. hn.today is not affiliated with Hacker News or Y Combinator.
Richard Stallman criticized the impact of technological and political policies on global freedoms and lives in 2001. He argued that these policies led to thousands of deaths and deprived millions of their liberties. (news.slashdot.org)
Amber Case criticizes the idea that the best technology is invisible, arguing it leads to dangerous retreat from human attention. She compares seamless interfaces to a bicycle, emphasizing technology should respond transparently to human needs rather than distract or hide itself. (designwhine.com)
Self-storage facilities in the United States dominate globally, with 90% of the world's capacity. They reflect a cultural obsession with storing possessions, often to the point of garage overcrowding and clutter. (newyorker.com)
Karun Pal abstained from using his phone for five days, leading to a feeling of calm and heightened awareness. He experienced a slower, more mindful life, noticing small details like sunlight, fragrances, and the texture of an old book. (karunpal.substack.com)
The Chaos Computer Club is hosting the 40C3 conference from December 27 to 30, 2026, in Hamburg, focusing on society, technology, and civil liberties under the theme 'Model Citizens.' The event invites participation in talks, art, music, and community-building activities to explore new societal models amid increasing authoritarian trends. (events.ccc.de)
The White House aims to limit public access to unflattering images and footage of Donald Trump to control his image. Trump seeks constant media attention, often holding on-camera events that distract from governance and showcase his presence. (salon.com)
Today's best Hacker News stories, summarized and screenshotted, one email a day.