Full Breakdown
Ed Sheeran Addresses Gaza and Tour Fallout at Philadelphia Concert
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: September 19 2026 Philadelphia Show
Ed Sheeran opened his Loop Tour stop at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19 2026 without opening acts. In his remarks he apologized for “making mistakes” and called the war in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” also labeling the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack “horrific” and a source of “centuries of Jewish pain.” The concert proceeded after a week-long controversy that began when rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour.
Background & Context
Macklemore, the original U.S. opener, shouted “Free Palestine” at shows on September 4 and 5 2026 at MetLife Stadium. Stadium owners, led by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, warned they would not allow concerts to continue if he remained. On September 14 2026 promoter Messina Touring Group dropped Macklemore; Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter, not by him. Within hours, supporting acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit in solidarity.
Data & Statistics
- Pollstar reported the Loop Tour averages more than $7 million in box-office gross per city and ranked Sheeran the No. 3 top-earning concert act through 2025.
- Ticket-resale data showed the cheapest single-ticket price for the Philadelphia show fell from $100 to $51, while overall resale prices for remaining U.S. dates dropped by an average of 22 % in the final two weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
- In an Instagram post, Sheeran reiterated that the promoter made the decision to drop Macklemore and that he had tried “to build a bridge” with venue owners.
- Robert Kraft said Macklemore’s remarks constituted “hate speech” and that he would not provide a platform for such content.
- Macklemore announced a $1 million donation to Palestinian relief organizations and urged Kraft to match the gift; a Kraft spokesperson later confirmed that Kraft and Sheeran each agreed to donate $2 million, though the recipients were not specified.
- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Philadelphia filed a public-records request seeking clarification on who authorized Macklemore’s removal, arguing that the rapper’s speech is protected political expression.
Criticism & Opposition
Pro-Israel groups called for Macklemore’s removal, arguing the artist’s platform should not be used to promote “selective information” about the conflict.
On-the-Ground Reports
A small group of about 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium before the concert, waving flags and chanting “Free, free Palestine.”
- Hillary Steinberg, 34, said she refunded her ticket and joined the protest, stating, “I was, until this week, a big Ed Sheeran fan.”
- Brandon Ateke, 18, told AFP that Sheeran’s handling of the situation made him feel the artist was “complicit” with venue owners.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that Sheeran pledged a $2 million contribution to aid the region, but they do not specify which organizations will receive the funds. Kraft’s matching donation is confirmed, yet the ultimate allocation remains undisclosed.
What’s Next
Sheeran’s North-American leg continues with shows at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26 2026. He has indicated the tour will proceed despite the withdrawals and plans to keep speaking with “people across the spectrum” to determine how to contribute to relief efforts.