Country star Oliver Anthony is set to join Ed Sheeran’s tour as an opening act after Sheeran parted ways with Macklemore, giving the singer a new voice to kick off his upcoming performances.
The announcement comes as Sheeran continues navigating the controversy surrounding his U.S. tour and his decision to keep political statements out of his own performances. With several changes to the touring lineup, Sheeran is now bringing Anthony on board for a series of upcoming shows.
Alex Bruno, Sheeran’s tour manager, said Anthony’s music fits exactly what the singer is looking for from an opening performer.
“Oliver is able to connect with everyone without making every performance some kind of political statement,” Bruno said. “That’s exactly the type of vibe Ed needs before he hits the stage.”
Anthony is scheduled to perform a 30-minute set beginning with Sheeran’s upcoming concert at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, this coming weekend.
The performance will give Anthony an opportunity to introduce his music to Sheeran’s audience before the British singer takes the stage.
Bruno said the decision to bring Anthony onto the tour was based largely on his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
“We wanted someone who could walk onto the stage, pick up a guitar and immediately connect with the crowd,” Bruno said. “Oliver has that ability. His music speaks for itself.”
The addition of Anthony comes after Sheeran’s touring relationship with Macklemore came to an end following controversy over political comments made during Macklemore’s performances.
The fallout has resulted in significant changes to Sheeran’s touring lineup, with other musicians also stepping away from upcoming shows.
Sheeran has maintained that he wants his own concerts to remain focused on music rather than political debates. The singer has said that while artists are free to express their personal views, he wants his performances to give audiences a chance to enjoy music without turning the event into a political forum.
Anthony’s addition appears to fit that approach.
The country star has developed a reputation for songs that connect with audiences across different backgrounds, making him an interesting choice for Sheeran’s Nashville performance.
“I think the audience is going to really enjoy him,” Bruno said. “It’s a completely different sound from Ed, but that’s part of what makes it work.”
Anthony is expected to perform for approximately 30 minutes before Sheeran begins his main set.
Meanwhile, Macklemore has now missed seven tour appearances this year as the controversy continues to affect his touring schedule.
The latest changes have made Sheeran’s upcoming concerts one of the more closely watched tours of the year, particularly as fans wait to see who will appear on stage alongside him.
For Sheeran, however, the goal remains straightforward.
“We just want to put on great shows,” Bruno said. “We want people to come in, hear good music and have a great night.”
Anthony’s first appearance with Sheeran at Nissan Stadium is expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the tour.
With a 30-minute country set opening the evening and Sheeran following with his biggest hits, fans in Nashville will get a new combination of sounds when the lights go down this weekend.
And according to Bruno, that’s exactly what the tour needs right now.