Ed Sheeran’s first concert since Macklemore was removed from his Loop Tour drew dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters. The Ed Sheeran’s Tour Turmoil Deepens As Protesters Descend On Philadelphia Show first appeared on The Blast

Ed Sheeran’s first concert since Macklemore was removed from his Loop Tour drew dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters outside Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Demonstrators gathered near the stadium and a nearby subway station on Saturday, criticizing Macklemore’s removal and calling on Sheeran to take a stronger public position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The controversy also followed the departure of several opening acts and Sheeran’s longtime backing band, turning the Philadelphia performance into a major test for the remainder of his North American tour.

Protesters Gathered Outside Ed Sheeran’s Concert

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, dozens of activists carrying Palestinian flags and signs gathered near Lincoln Financial Field and SEPTA’s NRG Station before the concert. One protester yelled, “F-ck your concert, f-ck your fans. Palestine is our demand,” in footage reportedly captured by FreedomNews. “Other demonstrators chanted, “Free Palestine.”

One person wore a red baseball cap designed in the style of President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” merchandise. The hat instead read, “Make Palestine Free Again.”

The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had promoted the demonstration online before the concert. “Billionaires, Zionists & Warmongers out of Philly,” the groups wrote.

Other signs targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the messages “Netanyahu has blood on his hands” and “Let Gaza live.”

Ed Sheeran Addressed Gaza During The Show

Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage before beginning his concert. The singer condemned the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, while also criticizing the scale of the civilian devastation in Gaza and conditions in the West Bank.

Sheeran apologized for mistakes he made while navigating the controversy and said he was concerned about venues attempting to influence or approve performers’ content. He also emphasized that he wanted his concerts to remain welcoming spaces for people with opposing perspectives.

Sheeran characterized Israel’s response in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate while acknowledging the pain caused by the October 7 attacks.

• Macklemore is being honored in Gaza after calling for a “Free Palestine” during his opening set on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
• Macklemore is finding comfort at home as the fallout from his abrupt departure from Ed Sheeran’s tour continues.
• An Irish radio station removed Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist amid the ongoing controversy.

Macklemore Was Removed From The Loop Tour

The protest followed Macklemore’s removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s North American tour. The rapper had performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He also displayed imagery from Gaza and voiced his support for Palestinians.

Macklemore subsequently claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, had contacted the singer about his continued participation. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues,” Macklemore wrote on Instagram.

The rapper acknowledged that Sheeran “was in a f-cked up position.” “I hope this isn’t the end of my relationship with Ed. Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement,” he added.

The Associated Press reported that Macklemore said multiple venues had threatened to cancel Sheeran’s concerts if he remained on the tour. Kraft publicly defended his opposition to Macklemore’s participation, arguing that the rapper’s recent performance and history had caused pain within the Jewish community.

Macklemore has maintained that his criticism concerns the Israeli government’s actions and is not directed at Jewish people.

Sheeran Said The Decision Came From The Tour Promoter

Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, and not by him personally.

In an Instagram statement, the British singer explained why he intended to continue with the tour despite calls for him to cancel performances. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran wrote.

Finneas withdrew from his scheduled tour appearances, stating that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Sheeran’s longtime Irish backing band Beoga also pulled out in solidarity with Macklemore.

Melissa Barrera Praised The Departing Performers

Actress Melissa Barrera publicly praised the musicians who left Sheeran’s tour. Barrera was fired from the “Scream” franchise in 2023 following social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict. She told the Associated Press that seeing other artists support Macklemore brought up complicated emotions.

“It was so beautiful to see Finneas and the band and all the opening acts pulling out in support of Macklemore. It made me emotional,” Barrera said. “You know, I didn’t get that when it happened to me. I didn’t have any of that happen. It was too soon. People were too scared. But it’s good to see that almost three years later, at least things have changed.”

Tickets Remained Available Before The Philadelphia Show

Hours before the performance, hundreds of resale tickets were still listed online.

StubHub listings reportedly ranged from $51 to $234 for seats in the stadium’s main levels, while pit tickets were available for between $229 and $298. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that some Ticketmaster resale seats dropped as low as $32.25 shortly before the concert.

The available inventory and falling resale prices indicated weaker secondary-market demand. However, resale listings alone do not establish how many primary tickets were originally sold or prove the controversy was solely responsible for the remaining availability.

Despite the protest, supporting-act departures, and public criticism, Sheeran proceeded with the Philadelphia show and directly addressed the dispute from the stage.

The Ed Sheeran’s Tour Turmoil Deepens As Protesters Descend On Philadelphia Show first appeared on The Blast