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Ed Sheeran's Concert 'Special Guest' Addresses Gaza Situation

The concert follows lineup changes after Macklemore was dropped and two other opening acts left in solidarity, forcing Sheeran to add new performers.

  • On Saturday, October 3, Ed Sheeran performed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with The Fray frontman Isaac Slade as a surprise 'special guest' opening the show after all original support acts withdrew.
  • Following the removal of rapper Macklemore last month after his 'Free Palestine' remarks onstage, the tour faced significant disruption as other support acts quit in solidarity with the musician.
  • During a solo concert in Philadelphia on September 19, Sheeran addressed the backlash directly, declaring he was 'so sorry' for disappointing fans and insisting he was 'not complicit' in venue decisions.
  • Addressing the global political climate during his set, Slade urged the audience to seek 'common ground,' stating, 'Everybody seems to be taking sides in this world and that's good.'
  • Following the controversy, ticket prices for some Philadelphia shows plummeted by at least 50 percent, while Sheeran has navigated the tour without original support acts, relying on new collaborators.
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25 Articles

Irish IndependentIrish Independent
Lean Right

Ed Sheeran enlists surprise guest Isaac Slade after Macklemore fallout

·Dublin, Ireland
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tempo.cotempo.co
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Ed Sheeran's Surprise Opener Backs Macklemore Amid Tour Controversy

Ed Sheeran's newest opening act praises Macklemore while supporting the rapper's pro-Palestinian stance during an Atlanta show.

·Indonesia
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NOSNOS
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Ed Sheeran Has New Opening Act After Macklemore's Exit over Pro-Palestinian Statements

Ed Sheeran has a new opening act. It is Isaac Slade, the former frontman of The Fray. Sheeran was looking for a replacement for Macklemore, who was removed from the tour due to pro-Palestinian statements. Slade was part of The Fray, which scored a few hits early this century, such as *How to Save a Life* and *You Found Me*. He left the band as lead singer in 2022. Macklemore was initially scheduled to open for Sheeran and also performed twice …

·Hilversum, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Hollywood LifeHollywood Life
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Who Is Isaac Slade? Meet the Former Fray Singer Who Stepped in as Ed Sheeran’s Opening Act

The 'How to Save a Life' singer gave Ed Sheeran's tour a much-needed spark after the other openers walked away. Get to know him here.

·New York, United States
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RollingStoneRollingStone
Left

Ed Sheeran Enlists the Fray’s Former Singer Isaac Slade to Open Atlanta Show

After performing a gig without openers, Ed Sheeran brought on Isaac Slade, former singer of the Fray, to serve as his opening act Saturday in Atlanta.

·New York, United States
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BillboardBillboard
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Ed Sheeran Taps Former Fray Singer Isaac Slade as Surprise Atlanta Opener After Opening Acts Quit

Ed Sheeran taps The Fray’s former frontman Isaac Slade as surprise Atlanta openerafter Macklemore’s removal and Loop Tour acts quit.

·New York, United States
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US Magazine broke the news in Englewood Cliffs, United States on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
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