Damon Albarn warns fans ‘don’t ever be neutral’ amid Ed Sheeran tour row

Damon Albarn has urged fans to “never be neutral” as he held a Palestinian flag aloft during a Gorillaz concert, amid the growing row surrounding Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour and the removal of Macklemore from its line-up.

The Blur frontman, 58, made the declaration as Gorillaz opened the North American leg of their The Mountain tour at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, with his intervention coming days after Macklemore, 43, said he had been removed from Ed’s US tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during an earlier support slot, prompting several other musicians to withdraw from forthcoming shows.

Taking a Palestinian flag from a member of the audience, Damon told the crowd: “Don’t forget this. Ever. Stand your position. Don’t ever be neutral.”

The Daily Mail reported a source close to Damon confirmed the pro-Palestine message, delivered at the sell-out show at the Kia Centre in Orlando, was related to the outrage over Ed’s move.

They told the publication: “Damon has made no secrets of his support for the Palestinian cause over many years. He just doesn't believe it's possible to stay neutral over the issue, and is surprised by the way Ed Sheeran has explained himself over the Macklemore stance. He thinks it's only made things worse.”

Damon performed at the Together for Palestine benefit concert in London in 2025, organised by Brian Eno.

He played Palestinian traditional music with the London Arab Orchestra and Juzour Dance Collective before Gorillaz played Damascus, which subsequently appeared on their album The Mountain.

The Orlando concert marked the opening date of Gorillaz’s latest North American tour and featured a 24-song set drawing on albums including Demon Days, Plastic Beach, Humanz and The Mountain.

Damon first rose to prominence with Blur, whose defining songs include Parklife, Girls and Boys, Song 2 and The Universal.

He later formed Gorillaz with artist Jamie Hewlett, with the virtual band producing hits including Clint Eastwood, Feel Good Inc. and DARE.

His comments came during a turbulent week for Ed Sheeran, 35, whose Loop tour has faced withdrawals following Macklemore’s removal.

Macklemore said he was dropped after using his appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to voice support for Palestinians.

The rapper told the audience “Free Palestine” and spoke about Gaza and the West Bank.

Ed subsequently said venue operators had threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.