Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform in Philadelphia this Saturday, marking his first appearance since the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour due to pro-Palestinian remarks. Following Macklemore’s expulsion earlier in the week, all of Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts and backing band have decided to step down from the tour. Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was driven by the venues and promoters, emphasizing his stance of staying apolitical.
Despite the silence from Sheeran following the departure of his supporting artists, Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, disclosed on Wednesday that he would donate $2 million US for assistance in the region at Sheeran’s behest. Tickets for Saturday’s show were still available as of Friday, with no replacement acts listed on Sheeran’s website. A group of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to hold a protest outside the venue on Saturday afternoon.
Macklemore was cut from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour after advocating for “Free Palestine” and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a performance in New Jersey on September 5. Sheeran explained that the venues had threatened to cancel his upcoming shows unless Macklemore was removed due to the manner in which he conveyed his message.
Acknowledging that Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, was instrumental in Macklemore’s removal, Sheeran reiterated his position on avoiding political involvement. Sheeran and his supporting acts, including Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe, have taken diverging paths due to the controversy.
In a statement, Sheeran expressed his distress over the Israel-Palestine conflict, labeling it a “human tragedy” affecting both sides. Despite his personal views on the conflict, Sheeran defended his decision to remain silent publicly, asserting that his silence did not equate to indifference.
Although promoters and venues generally hold significant influence over concert tours, experts suggest that artists of Sheeran’s caliber typically have the final say in such matters. With the departure of his supporting acts and band members, the outcome of Sheeran’s performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field remains uncertain. Sheeran, known for performing solo during his Loop Tour, had previously been joined by the Irish folk band Beoga for select songs.
