Super Macklemore 64 game depicts Sheeran and Kraft in tour-removal satire
Jonathan Mann’s parody game uses a giant Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft figures to reference Macklemore’s reported tour removal.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
The Super Macklemore 64 game, created by Jonathan Mann, turns imagery from Macklemore’s reported removal from Ed Sheeran concerts into a parody, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet reported that players flee a giant version of Sheeran, avoid miniature Robert Kraft figures and summon musicians who chant “Free Palestine.”
Mann said, according to Al Jazeera, that the game highlights what he called the “absurdity” of Macklemore being dropped from Sheeran’s concerts. Al Jazeera published its video report on September 18.
What is the Super Macklemore 64 game about?
It is a satirical game built around figures in the recent tour controversy: Sheeran, Macklemore and Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots. Its reported game elements refer to Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy and the events that followed his departure from Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
The game’s political framing comes from Mann’s account and the “Free Palestine” chant described by Al Jazeera. Mann also characterized the war in Gaza in his remarks to the outlet; that characterization is his own, as reported by Al Jazeera.
How did Macklemore leave Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Associated Press reporting published by NBC Boston said Macklemore called out “Free Palestine” during a September 5 tour date in New Jersey. USA Today reported that he also performed “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song, and announced on September 14 that he had been removed from the tour.
The accounts of the decision differ. Macklemore said Kraft had led an effort to remove him, including by objecting to an appearance at Gillette Stadium, USA Today reported. Sheeran said the promoter, rather than he, made the decision; he also said venues warned they could pull planned shows if Macklemore remained an opening act.
Kraft said he was concerned about what he described as hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric and imagery from Macklemore, according to USA Today and the Associated Press. Kraft also said the decision was not intended to deny advocacy for Palestinians or diminish Palestinian suffering, the Associated Press reported.
The fallout extended beyond Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga later left Sheeran’s tour, according to the Associated Press report. Al Jazeera’s video report describes the game that emerged from those events.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.