Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore removal and Gaza at Philadelphia show

Ed Sheeran opened his Saturday concert at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field with a speech about the controversy over Macklemore’s removal from his tour. According to Consequence, it was his first show since several stadium operators, including Robert Kraft, objected to the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks.

Sheeran apologised for “mistakes” and said he was worried about venues pre-approving performance content. He called the situation in Gaza “catastrophic” and referred to the October 7 attack on the Nova music festival. Consequence reports that Kraft has committed $2 million to humanitarian aid, matching Sheeran’s own pledge.

Support acts FINNEAS, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, along with the band Beoga, had left the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. In a second speech, Sheeran said he considered canceling the “LOOP” tour but carried on after seeing fans had kept their tickets.