Ed Sheeran says he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from country music artists after taking a clear position on keeping politics out of his live performances.
“I am humbled by the response from the country artists following my statement regarding leaving politics out of my performances,” Sheeran said. “I honestly didn’t expect this much support.”
The situation surrounding Sheeran’s tour became increasingly complicated after his decision to stop working with Macklemore following political comments made by the rapper during concerts. What began as a disagreement quickly turned into a much bigger problem for Sheeran’s touring operation.
Several opening performers refused to continue with the collaboration, while members of Sheeran’s house band also decided they would no longer perform alongside him.
With upcoming concerts approaching, Sheeran suddenly found himself needing to figure out how to keep the shows running.
That was when George Strait stepped in.
After finishing his own concert in Texas, Strait reached out to Sheeran and offered him the use of his band for the singer’s next five concerts in Florida.
The offer reportedly caught Sheeran completely by surprise.
“I was stunned by the offer from George,” Sheeran said. “Even if I didn’t find anyone, he promised that he would personally start the concert. How can you not fall in love with such a man?”
Sheeran said Strait’s gesture meant far more than simply having musicians available for his shows. According to the singer, it showed him that people in the country music community were willing to stand beside him during a difficult moment.
“The country community made me feel extremely honored,” Sheeran said. “It is quite an amazing experience.”
Strait’s decision to help came as Sheeran continued dealing with the fallout from the controversy surrounding his tour. Sheeran has maintained that his concerts should primarily be about music and entertainment, rather than becoming platforms for political arguments.
The position has drawn attention from both supporters and critics, particularly after the dispute involving Macklemore.
Still, Sheeran said he wasn’t expecting prominent country artists to rally around him.
“I’ve spent years performing with incredible musicians, but I never thought I’d have someone like George Strait reach out and offer his entire band,” Sheeran said. “That was something I will never forget.”
The singer also praised Strait for making the offer so quickly.
“He had just finished his own concert,” Sheeran said. “Most people would go home and get some rest. Instead, George was thinking about how he could help me keep my shows going.”
According to Sheeran, Strait didn’t make the offer complicated.
“He basically said, ‘Don’t worry about it. We’ve got you covered,’” Sheeran recalled. “That kind of kindness stays with you.”
The five Florida concerts will now have a completely different feel, with Strait’s musicians expected to join Sheeran on stage and help keep the tour moving.
For Sheeran, the experience has also changed the way he views the relationship between different parts of the music industry.
“Music has a way of bringing people together when everything else seems to be pulling them apart,” he said. “That’s exactly what I’ve experienced here.”
As the controversy continues to generate attention, Sheeran says he is choosing to focus on the people who have offered their support rather than those who walked away.
“I feel extremely grateful,” he said. “George Strait showed me what it means to have someone’s back.”
