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Pro-Palestinian protesters target Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert after Macklemore removed from tour
The concert now starts at 8 p.m. after four support acts withdrew, and TicketData estimated 7,500 tickets were still available.
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Ed Sheeran performed solo at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field after all four support acts withdrew from his Loop Tour. The concert proceeded as scheduled despite the lineup shakeup and planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the venue.
Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour after his September 4 'Free Palestine' remarks at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Macklemore alleged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft orchestrated his removal by issuing an ultimatum to tour organizers.
Following Macklemore's exit, support acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and the band Beoga withdrew from remaining dates in solidarity. TicketData reported 7,500 tickets remained available before the concert, with resale prices dropping significantly amid the controversy.
During his performance, Sheeran stated he was 'not complicit' in Macklemore's removal and blamed tour promoters for the decision. Outside the stadium, demonstrators gathered, with protester Donna Greenberg describing the event as 'a cultural watershed moment' for Palestinian advocacy.
With 16 shows remaining through December across North and South America, tour organizers face ongoing challenges maintaining venue stability. Protesters have extended calls for boycotting Sheeran's entire world tour, including upcoming Latin American dates, as industry tensions persist.