Ed Sheeran added singer-songwriter and TikTok artist Zach Hood to his Charlotte, North Carolina, show over the weekend, giving another emerging performer an opening slot on the North American LOOP Tour.
Sheeran has continued the tour solo since his original opening acts and backing band withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed from the bill.
Hood joins a changing support lineup
Hood, an Alabama native in his 20s, has accumulated well over 50 million streams across his first handful of singles. His music has also appeared on several Spotify playlists and a viral chart:
- Pop Rising
- Radar US
- Global Viral 50
Other performers given opening slots on the North American leg include Isaac Slade of The Fray and American Idol performer Brooks Rosser.
Slade has appeared at several shows and is scheduled for additional dates. He is the only opener confirmed for the remaining shows; neither Hood nor Rosser has been announced for another appearance.
Original acts withdrew after Macklemore’s removal
Macklemore was taken off the tour at the promoter’s request after venue owners, led by Robert Kraft, refused to host Sheeran while the rapper remained on the lineup.
The decision followed a speech by the “Thrift Shop” rapper during his opening set at Sheeran’s New Jersey tour stop. Sheeran’s original opening acts and backing band subsequently withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
