Ed Sheeran Speaks on Gaza as Tour Openers Exit Philadelphia Show
Ed Sheeran restarted his North America Loop Tour at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night, Sept. 19, and opened with direct remarks on Gaza.
He described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” “unjustifiable” and “disproportionate” Al Jazeera. He called the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel “horrific” NBC News. It was his first public comment since Macklemore and other acts exited the Loop Tour over pro-Palestine statements People.
Sheeran performed solo. The start was pushed back two and a half hours because there were no opening acts — the shorter sets that normally play before the headliner.
All four supporting acts had walked out, citing support for Palestinians. One was Finneas, the brother and musical collaborator of Billie Eilish. On Instagram, Finneas said that “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed” and that “I stand with Palestine and its people.”
American rapper Macklemore was dropped from the lineup after pro-Palestine comments at a concert in New Jersey earlier in September 2026. Macklemore said he was dropped from the U.S. tour after making “Free Palestine” remarks. Sheeran denied being behind the decision. He blamed the tour promoter, the business side that handles bookings and logistics.
Sheeran said he was appalled by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His “unjustifiable” remark on Gaza followed criticism that he had failed to back his opening act.
About 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied outside Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 19. They waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free, free Palestine.”
The broader context here is about control of a commercial stage when politics intrudes. A headliner can deny ordering a removal and still answer to fans who expected that opener. A promoter can hold contract power while the headliner carries the public cost. Four exits at once meant a delayed start, a solo set, and a thinner bill.
Looking at what this means for live entertainment, Philadelphia shows the trade-off. Silence draws criticism from one side. Paired condemnations draw scrutiny from all sides. The outside protest was small, but the walkout reshaped the show. Exit clauses, solidarity among billed acts, and social media posts can now alter a stadium schedule in days.
