Ed Sheeran Tears Up on Stage at First Concert Since Macklemore Row; Fans Rally Behind Him

New York British singer Ed Sheeran became emotional on stage at his first US concert since the controversy over rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour. Fans in Philadelphia said they stand with the musician and that he did not deserve the backlash.
Sheeran opened Saturday night’s show at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia by addressing Gaza, calling the situation “devastating and unjustifiable.” “The scale of destruction and the loss of civilian lives, especially children, has broken my heart,” he said. He added that he wants his music and performances to centre on a message of unity and humanity rather than politics.
The row began last week when Macklemore (real name Benjamin Haggerty) said during a show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey that he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. He was subsequently dropped from the lineup of “The Loop Tour.” On Monday, Macklemore claimed on Instagram that Sheeran and his team had “decided to remove” him.
In an Instagram statement on Tuesday, Sheeran said the decision was the promoter’s, not his. He said upcoming venues had warned they would pull shows if Macklemore remained on the tour, naming Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft among them. “I’m not involved,” Sheeran said. “I have personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly doesn’t mean I don’t have views, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.” The “Shape of You” singer said he is distressed by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and respects Macklemore as an artist.
All of the tour’s opening acts have since confirmed they are leaving the remaining dates, including Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Grammy-winning musician Finneas (Billie Eilish’s brother) and Danish singer Lukas Graham. Sheeran’s backing band, Beyoga, also announced its exit, saying on Instagram that it “fully supports” Macklemore’s message. On Friday, Rowe defended Sheeran in an Instagram video, urging more scrutiny of “people like Robert Kraft and Zionist lobbies” who, he said, are trying to silence those speaking out against genocide.
Concertgoers arriving on Saturday night backed Sheeran. James Weber IV of Scranton, Pennsylvania, said: “I’m with Ed. I think there’s a time for politics, and a music event isn’t one of those places.” His father, James Weber III, said: “In a few months this will die down. He doesn’t deserve this. I think he did the right thing and stuck to his beliefs.”
Cassandra Rivera of Philadelphia said: “Everyone has their own opinion and that’s fine. I’m here to have a good time.” Dwayne Smith, who travelled from Canada, said: “Set politics aside, we just love the music. Tonight is just about music for us.” His wife Mandy called Sheeran an “amazing artist.” A small but loud pro-Palestine protest was also held outside the subway station serving the stadium, a few hundred metres from the venue.
Sheeran, 35, began his world tour in Auckland, New Zealand, in January, and it is due to end in Mexico City in December. Sixteen shows remain across North and South America after Philadelphia. Following the acts’ withdrawal, Saturday’s show was rescheduled to start at 8 pm, with doors opening at 6 pm.