### Ted Nugent Offers To Take Over Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts After Artists Walk Out
Ted Nugent is stepping into the middle of Ed Sheeran’s growing tour controversy, offering to take over the remaining supporting acts after several artists walked away from the singer’s U.S. tour amid the Macklemore scandal.
Nugent said he decided to make the offer because he believes Sheeran needs someone in his corner while other artists are leaving the tour.
“I’ve got Ed’s back. When everyone else walks away, I am not going anywhere. I’ll have 50 guitars and we will just keep rocking,” Nugent said.
The unusual offer comes at a difficult time for Sheeran’s tour. Macklemore was removed from the lineup after his political comments during a performance sparked controversy, and several other supporting artists subsequently announced that they would no longer participate in the remaining dates.
With Sheeran suddenly facing a much different lineup than originally planned, Nugent believes he can help fill the gap.
Alex Bruno, a senior tour executive, said Nugent reached out at a time when Sheeran’s team could use some unexpected help.
“Ted basically told Ed, ‘You are not standing alone.’ He said that he was ready to get on board and do the supporting acts himself,” Bruno said.
According to Nugent, the situation isn’t complicated. He believes artists should stand by one another when things become difficult rather than abandoning a tour because of controversy.
“My friends aren’t going to run away from me when times are tough. I am here; I’ve got the guitars and I’ve got Ed’s back,” Nugent said.
Nugent’s proposal would certainly create an unusual pairing. Sheeran is known for his pop and singer-songwriter style, while Nugent has spent decades building a reputation as one of rock music’s most outspoken guitarists.
But Nugent doesn’t appear concerned about the musical differences.
“I don’t care what anybody says,” Nugent said. “If Ed needs someone to get on that stage, I’ll be there. We can figure out the rest later.”
The offer comes as Sheeran attempts to continue his tour despite the sudden departures. The singer has previously said that he did not make the decision to remove Macklemore and has attempted to distance himself from the political dispute surrounding the tour.
Nugent, meanwhile, appears ready to embrace the chaos.
“If they need one supporting act, I’ll be one. If they need five, I’ll be five,” he joked. “And I’m bringing the guitars.”
The possibility of Nugent joining the tour has already generated plenty of attention, given the unexpected combination of artists.
For Sheeran, however, the offer could provide an amusing solution to a very real scheduling problem within the fictional scenario.
Nugent said he is ready whenever Sheeran’s team calls.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Ed’s got my support.”
Sheeran has yet to comment on Ted Nugent’s offer.