Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 2026 — Ed Sheeran used the opening minutes of his Loop Tour concert at Lincoln Financial Field to address the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from the U.S. tour and the wider debate over Gaza, free expression and the role of politics at live shows.
Quick answer: This article separates the documented timeline, public statements and business decisions surrounding the Ed Sheeran–Macklemore tour dispute, while distinguishing reported facts from claims made by the people involved.
Sheeran apologized to fans and said the past week had forced him to make difficult decisions. He also described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable, while separately calling the October 2023 Hamas attack in Israel horrific. Reuters reported that Sheeran also raised concerns about venues influencing or pre-approving what performers can say onstage.
Why the Philadelphia concert mattered
The September 19 show was Sheeran's first U.S. concert after Macklemore was removed from the remaining Loop Tour support lineup. The Philadelphia venue's official event listing confirms the concert took place at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19.
Unlike the original tour plan, Sheeran began the show without the expected opening acts. Several artists and musicians had withdrawn after Macklemore's removal, changing the structure of the concert and putting Sheeran's first post-dispute performance under unusual scrutiny.
What Sheeran said about Macklemore
Sheeran has repeatedly said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter after venues said they would not allow shows with Macklemore on the bill. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, also said venue restrictions were central to the decision.
At the Philadelphia concert, Sheeran said he had tried to build a bridge between the different parties. He also expressed concern about venues having too much influence over performers' content.
What happened before the show
Macklemore was removed after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a September concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Reuters reported that Macklemore's comments included a call for a free Palestine. Venue objections followed, and the remaining support acts later left the tour in solidarity with him.
What comes next
Sheeran's official tour schedule lists upcoming U.S. performances at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on September 25 and 26, followed by dates in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, Hollywood and Tampa. The current schedule does not by itself specify the final support lineup for every date.
For readers following the story, the key distinction is between documented decisions and the competing explanations for why they happened. Sheeran says the promoter and venues made the final call; Macklemore has described the removal as a consequence of pressure over his political speech; and Robert Kraft has publicly cited concerns about antisemitic rhetoric and imagery while also saying Palestinian suffering should not be ignored.
Sources and further reading
Reuters: Ed Sheeran calls Israel's treatment of Gazans unjustifiable
AP: Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza at Philadelphia concert
Ed Sheeran official tour information
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ed Sheeran discuss in Philadelphia?
He addressed Macklemore's removal, Gaza, the October 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, free expression and his view of concerts as places that can bring people together.
Was Macklemore at the Philadelphia concert?
No. He had already been removed from the remaining U.S. support dates.
What are the next U.S. dates listed?
The official schedule reviewed for the article listed Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26, followed by additional October and November dates.
Editorial note: Tour dates, lineups and public statements can change. This article should be read alongside the linked primary and independent reporting sources for the latest developments.
