Ed Sheeran's September 19 performance at Lincoln Financial Field was unlike a routine Loop Tour stop. It was the first show after Macklemore's removal and the subsequent departure of the other support acts.
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 opened without the original support lineup
Associated Press reported that Sheeran began the concert alone onstage. Other musicians joined later in the show, but the expected opening-act structure was gone.
Live Nation's published set information for the Philadelphia date lists songs including “Castle on the Hill,” “Shivers,” “The A Team,” “Sapphire,” “Perfect,” “Shape of You” and “Bad Habits.” The set also included a substantial solo portion before musicians joined him later.
He addressed the controversy before the music
Sheeran told the audience he had made difficult decisions and apologized. He explained his concern about the removal of Macklemore and the effect the dispute had on fans, musicians and the touring team.
He also discussed Gaza and the October 2023 attacks in Israel, while describing his concerts as spaces intended to bring people together rather than function as political forums.
The stage setup was also changed
Reporting after the concert said the B-stage was removed from the Philadelphia setup, with safety concerns cited in connection with the altered production. This detail is separate from the support-act dispute but became part of the story around the first post-controversy show.
What fans saw
The result was a concert that was still built around Sheeran's catalog but carried a much larger news story into the room. Some fans attended primarily for the music, while others had concerns about the tour's handling of Macklemore's removal.
Sources
AP: Sheeran opens Philadelphia concert
Live Nation: Philadelphia set information
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Philadelphia show?
Ed Sheeran performed at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2026.
Did Macklemore perform?
No. Macklemore had been removed from the remaining U.S. support lineup before the Philadelphia show.
Did Sheeran address the controversy?
Yes. He discussed the dispute, Gaza, the October 2023 attacks and his view of concerts as spaces for people to come together.
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.
