Ed Sheeran delivered a solo performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2026, addressing a tour controversy that led to the removal of rapper Macklemore and the departure of supporting acts Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and the guest band Beoga, according to reporting by USA Today.
Macklemore Removal and Venue Ultimatums
The controversy began after Macklemore performed at Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026, where he used his set to state “Free Palestine” and perform his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” according to India Today NE. The performance drew backlash from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including the Israeli-American Council, which called for his removal. Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, subsequently dropped Macklemore from remaining U.S. dates after stadium owners issued ultimatums refusing to host venues featuring the rapper, according to USA Today and India Today NE.
Sheeran stated during his Philadelphia show that the removal decision was made by promoters rather than himself, while expressing deep concern over venue pre-approval of performer content. “I am deeply worried about the idea that venues [could] preapprove content [by] performers,” Sheeran said, as reported by USA Today. “This happens in so many places that I have performed around the world… It should never happen in the free world.” Supporting acts Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, alongside guest band Beoga and artists Finneas, also withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, according to USA Today and India Today NE sources.
Sheeran Addresses the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Taking the stage solo at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran told the audience that he had previously avoided political commentary to keep his concerts focused on unity, but felt compelled to speak as a humanitarian. “What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain,” Sheeran said, according to USA Today. He added, “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
India Today NE reported that Sheeran also noted systemic issues in the West Bank could not be ignored and mentioned he was speaking with people across the spectrum to determine how to contribute to victims of the conflict. Despite the tension surrounding his tour, Sheeran performed with replacement backing musicians who had three days to learn the setlist, telling the crowd that the concert remained a safe space for diverse viewpoints.
Did you know?
Ed Sheeran completed his Philadelphia tour stop with a newly assembled backing band that had just 72 hours to learn the entire concert catalog after his previous guest band withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was dropped from remaining U.S. dates by tour promoters after stadium owners issued ultimatums refusing to host venues featuring the rapper following his pro-Palestinian remarks and performance of “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium, according to USA Today and India Today NE.
Which artists withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Supporting acts Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and guest band Beoga withdrew from the tour following Macklemore’s removal, according to USA Today and India Today NE.
What did Ed Sheeran say about the conflict?
During his Philadelphia concert, Sheeran called the October 7 attacks in Israel horrific and stated that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate, framing his comments as a humanitarian stance.
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