In a post on Instagram, the Irish musician also expressed his support for Palestine while explaining why he decided to leave the trek. “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop’ North American Tour,” he wrote. “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.

“But as Irish people,” he continued, “we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.” He ended his note by declaring, “Free Palestine.”