Full Breakdown
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Faces Fallout After Macklemore’s Removal
By Drooid · · How we work
The Tour Disruption
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North-American “Loop” tour after the rapper shouted “Free Palestine” during his opening set at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. Within days the remaining opening acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga—quit in solidarity. Sheeran’s concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19 will proceed with the singer performing alone; no replacement acts have been announced.
Lead-up to the Controversy
Macklemore’s remarks were meant to highlight the Gaza humanitarian crisis after the October 7, 2023 conflict. Pro-Israel groups, including the Israeli-American Council, petitioned for his removal. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Gillette Stadium was slated for two tour dates on September 25, contacted Sheeran’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, demanding Macklemore be dropped. The promoter later said several venues would cancel if he remained, leading to his dismissal on September 14. Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter, not by him.
Numbers and Ticket Trends
Ticket-price monitors reported a sharp decline in resale values for the Philadelphia show. Get-in prices fell about 45 % to roughly $75, while resale listings rose 2.5 times as fans sought refunds or cheaper seats. Ticketmaster confirmed refunds are issued only when the event organizer approves them, leaving many ticket holders uncertain. The withdrawal of four opening acts has also dented demand for the remaining U.S. dates.
Official Statements & Responses
Messina Touring Group stated venues warned they would cancel the concerts if Macklemore stayed, prompting his removal. Macklemore, in an Instagram post, called the situation a “fundamental disagreement” with Sheeran and accused Kraft of rallying other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum.
Artist and Public Criticism
Finneas announced his withdrawal, urging that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
On-the-Ground Reactions
Local groups—including the Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z—planned a protest outside the stadium on the afternoon of the Philadelphia show. The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed an “appropriate police presence” to ensure safety. Fans expressed mixed feelings: some, like Karen DeAngelis of Gloucester, Virginia, said she was “really disappointed in Ed Sheeran” and considered reselling her ticket, while others remained eager to attend.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Ticket-price data differ between sources: one outlet reported a 45 % drop to $75, another noted a 35 % rise in resale prices for the same show. Both figures come from separate market-analysis firms, leaving the exact impact ambiguous. While Kraft publicly cited “antisemitic rhetoric,” some reports suggest venue-owner pressure was the primary driver, though coordination among stadium owners remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” — Finneas, musician and producer
- “I think it does show that a billionaire venue owner like Robert Kraft holds a lot of power to dictate who is allowed to perform in his venue and what these artists are allowed to say,” — Zach Schonfeld, journalist
What’s Next
A pro-Palestinian rally is scheduled for the afternoon of the Philadelphia concert, and the Gillette Stadium dates on September 25 remain in question pending further statements from venue owners. Sheeran’s team has not confirmed any changes to the remaining U.S. schedule, and ticket-sale platforms continue to process refund requests where applicable.