Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Resumes Tour Amid Macklemore Palestine Controversy
Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform in Philadelphia on Saturday.
His concert may happen without opening performers.
The start time was changed from 5:30 p.m.
to 8 p.m.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after saying “Free Palestine” at a New Jersey concert.
Sheeran says he did not make that decision and said the tour promoter was responsible.
Other performers, including Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, later withdrew.
Reports also say the Irish band Beoga may no longer be involved, although accounts differ about its tour status.
A group supporting Palestinians plans to protest outside the stadium.
Macklemore announced a $1 million donation, while a spokesperson said Sheeran and Robert Kraft each agreed to donate $2 million, without specifying where the money would go.
Ed Sheeran is scheduled to resume his US tour Saturday at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, potentially without opening acts.
The concert’s listed start time changed from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the time Sheeran was originally expected to perform.
Macklemore was removed after chanting “Free Palestine” at a September 5 concert in New Jersey.
Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew, while reports also identify Beoga as no longer supporting the tour.
Pro-Palestinian organizations plan to protest outside the venue, while ticket prices reportedly fell from $123 to $67.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Robert Kraft and pro-Palestinian organizations are involved.
- What
- Sheeran is resuming his US tour after Macklemore was removed and several planned supporting acts withdrew.
- When
- The Philadelphia concert is scheduled for Saturday; the disputed remarks were made September 5, and the listed show time changed to 8 p.m.
- Where
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Macklemore made the remarks during a concert in New Jersey.
- Why
- Macklemore was removed after his pro-Palestinian chant, while other performers withdrew amid the resulting controversy.
Pro-Palestinian Critics and Withdrawing Artists
Sheeran and Tour Interests
Macklemore’s removal
Pro-Palestinian Critics and Withdrawing Artists
Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” chant is presented as political expression, and several performers withdrew after he was removed from the tour.
Sheeran and Tour Interests
Macklemore was dropped from the tour after the controversy; Sheeran said he was not responsible and attributed the decision to the tour promoter, reportedly following pressure from Robert Kraft.
Speaking publicly about Gaza
Pro-Palestinian Critics and Withdrawing Artists
Macklemore publicly supported Palestine and announced a $1 million donation to Palestinian relief efforts.
Sheeran and Tour Interests
Sheeran said he has personal views about the conflict and cares about it, but had previously chosen not to speak publicly and said fans do not attend his shows to hear about such issues.
Proceeding with the concert
Pro-Palestinian Critics and Withdrawing Artists
The planned protest and the departures of supporting performers reflect opposition to how the controversy was handled.
Sheeran and Tour Interests
Sheeran is continuing with the Philadelphia performance, potentially alone, while tickets remained available and no replacement opening acts were listed.
- Venue
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Concert start time
- 8 p.m., changed from 5:30 p.m.
- Original opener
- Macklemore, who chanted “Free Palestine” during a September 5 New Jersey concert
- Withdrawn performers
- Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe; reports also list Beoga, though accounts differ about the band’s status
- Planned protest
- A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to demonstrate outside the venue
- Reported donations
- Macklemore announced $1 million for Palestinian relief; a Kraft spokesperson said Sheeran and Robert Kraft each agreed to donate $2 million
- Ticket prices
- TicketData reported that the cheapest tickets fell from $123 on Monday to $67 on Friday
