Ed Sheeran Concert Faces Changes Following Macklemore Controversy
Ed Sheeran’s concert in Philadelphia, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, as part of the Loop Tour, is set to undergo a significant alteration amidst ongoing backlash faced by the artist.
The event is now slated to commence at 8:00 p.m. ET, according to Ticketmaster, which is three hours later than its original start time of 5:30 p.m. This adjustment comes as the previous timing included several opening acts. During his recent performances in New Jersey, Sheeran took to the stage precisely at 8 p.m. following the three openers that started at 5:30 p.m.
The opening acts for Sheeran, Macklemore, Finneas, and Lukas Graham, have been removed from the Loop Tour lineup, likely necessitating this change due to the absence of supporting acts.
Macklemore, 43, and Graham, 37, had both previously opened for Sheeran, 35, during his two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. During his performance of the protest song “Hind’s Hall,” he shouted “Free Palestine” to the audience while condemning genocide and human rights violations.
In response to reported pressure from venues hosting upcoming Loop Tour shows, Sheeran’s tour promoter has removed Macklemore from the remaining eight scheduled performances.
“Ed Sheeran and his team made the choice to remove me from the Loop Tour. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” Macklemore stated in a social media post on Monday, September 14. “We have careers, resources, opportunities, safety, and fans across the globe. Whatever consequences we face for our statements, we return home to our families.”
Macklemore recounted his long-standing friendship with Sheeran, stating that they had “difficult conversations” regarding the tour’s future prior to the public announcement.
“He expressed that the phrases ‘Free Palestine’ and the visual of the Palestinian flag were distressing to many individuals he spoke with,” Macklemore shared. “I hope this doesn’t mark the end of my relationship with Ed. Our 13 years of friendship cannot be erased by a single contentious issue. I hope we can continue to engage, learn about the situation in Palestine, and grapple with what neutrality signifies in current times. My door will always remain open for ongoing dialogue.”
Ed Sheeran is clarifying his position on Macklemore’s contentious departure from his Loop Tour after the rapper expressed support for Palestine during his performance. “Following Macklemore’s appearances at my shows in New Jersey, venues for my upcoming dates indicated they would cancel the shows if he continued to voice his support,” Sheeran, 35, mentioned on Instagram on […]
Sheeran asserted that he was not the one responsible for Macklemore’s removal from the lineup.
“I was made aware that this decision was related to how Macklemore delivered part of his message during his set, not the entirety of his statements,” Sheeran stated in a Tuesday, September 15, statement regarding discussions with venue proprietors. “I dialogued with the venues extensively throughout the week in an effort to create understanding. … This week, my focus has been on fostering relationships and seeking a resolution, but unfortunately, I was unable to do so. I know my identity, both personally and artistically, and those who understand my character recognize my values as well.”
In light of the controversy, Graham and Finneas, 29, voluntarily opted out of their respective sets on the Loop Tour to stand in solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian community. Sheeran will now perform at the Philadelphia show solo.
Despite these events, Macklemore has reiterated his commitment to amplifying his support for the people of Gaza. On Wednesday, September 16, the “Thrift Shop” artist announced his intention to donate his $1 million salary from the Loop Tour to Palestinian charities, while extending a challenge to Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft to match his contribution.
Kraft, 85, later disclosed that both he and Sheeran each plan to contribute $2 million toward humanitarian relief efforts.
