Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Addresses Gaza Crisis and Macklemore Tour Controversy
Ed Sheeran performed by himself at a concert in Philadelphia.
This happened after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour.
Macklemore had spoken in support of Palestinians and said “Free Palestine.”
Other musicians then decided not to join the tour.
Sheeran said the October 7 attacks in Israel were horrific.
He also said the situation in Gaza was catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.
Sheeran apologized for making difficult decisions and said he was still learning about the conflict.
Some protesters wanted him to take a stronger position, while other fans said concerts should mainly be about music and bringing people together.
Ed Sheeran called the October 7 attacks in Israel horrific and described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.
He apologized for difficult decisions and said he could no longer avoid discussing what he called a humanitarian issue.
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates after saying “Free Palestine” and performing “Hind’s Hall.”
Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew from scheduled tour appearances, leaving Sheeran to perform in Philadelphia without an opening act.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators criticized Sheeran, while other concertgoers said concerts should prioritize music and unity.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, supporting musicians, concertgoers, pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Robert Kraft were involved or mentioned.
- What
- Sheeran addressed the Gaza conflict, Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour and the withdrawal of other supporting acts.
- When
- Saturday, following Macklemore’s September 5 performance and Sheeran’s statements earlier in the week.
- Where
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the stadium.
- Why
- The controversy followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks, his removal from the tour and debate over political expression at concerts.
Artists Should Address Humanitarian Issues
Concerts Should Focus on Music
Political expression at concerts
Artists Should Address Humanitarian Issues
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators argued that art and music are political and criticized Sheeran for not taking a stronger stand.
Concerts Should Focus on Music
Other concertgoers said audiences attend shows to enjoy music and that freedom of speech does not make every concert the appropriate platform for political statements.
Macklemore’s removal
Artists Should Address Humanitarian Issues
Macklemore and his supporters viewed his remarks and support for Palestinian relief as legitimate political and humanitarian expression.
Concerts Should Focus on Music
Sheeran said he was not responsible for the decision, while the tour promoter was ultimately responsible; reports also said several venues objected to Macklemore’s inclusion.
Sheeran’s response
Artists Should Address Humanitarian Issues
Critics said avoiding the conflict was itself a political choice and wanted Sheeran to take a clearer public position.
Concerts Should Focus on Music
Sheeran said he wanted concerts to remain spaces of unity and humanity, protect fans and touring workers, and avoid turning performances into political events.
- Venue
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
- Sheeran’s position
- He called the October 7 attacks in Israel horrific and the situation in Gaza catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.
- Macklemore’s remarks
- He said “Free Palestine,” discussed Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and performed “Hind’s Hall.”
- Tour changes
- Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates; Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe later withdrew from scheduled appearances.
- Responsibility dispute
- Sheeran said the removal was not his decision and that the promoter was responsible; Macklemore said Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran, while experts said artists of Sheeran’s stature generally have significant control.
- Reported donations
- Macklemore said he would donate $1 million to Palestinian relief; a spokesperson said Robert Kraft and Sheeran each agreed to donate $2 million, without specifying recipients.
- Tour earnings
- Pollstar reported that the Loop Tour averaged more than $7 million in box-office gross per city.
