Ed Sheeran Avoided Politics on U2 Collab Before Macklemore Controversy

Ed Sheeran resisted political themes in U2's 'Yours Eternally' before Macklemore fallout. Bono reveals collaboration tensions.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Ed Sheeran initially hesitated to engage with political themes while collaborating with U2 on the track “Yours Eternally,” which reflects the perspective of a Ukrainian soldier amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to Bono.

Bono shared insights during an interview with Rolling Stone U.K., revealing that Sheeran was reluctant to be drawn into the humanitarian message of the song, which features Ukrainian singer Taras Topalia. The musician had previously distanced himself from political discourse after removing rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour over the artist’s “Free Palestine” statements.

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Sheeran faced backlash for not engaging in public debate about the Gaza war, though he insisted he was “not complicit.” This led other performers, including Aaron Rowe and Finneas, to withdraw from the tour. Protesters gathered outside one of Sheeran’s concerts without Macklemore. Meanwhile, Macklemore launched a “Free Palestine” tour, with proceeds supporting Palestinian causes.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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