Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour stop in Philadelphia became the latest flashpoint in the fallout over Macklemore’s removal from the bill, as pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
The demonstration followed a turbulent week for the tour. On Monday, Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s lineup amid an outcry tied to the “Hind’s Hall” artist’s onstage “Free Palestine” remarks. Sheeran later issued a statement saying the move was the “promoter’s decision,” after Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft assembled several tour venues to give him an ultimatum.
Outside the Philadelphia venue, protesters made clear that the controversy had now moved directly to Sheeran’s own concert. In footage shared by Freedom News, demonstrators chanted: “Globalize the intifada. Fuck your concert, fuck your fans. Palestine is our demand. Free Palestine!”
One protester told Freedom News that Sheeran’s attempt to remain publicly neutral had not insulated the tour from the issue.
“The fact of the matter is, now Palestine is associated with his concert, whether he wants it to be or not. He thinks that he is apolitical,” the protester said. “Whether Ed Sheeran believes his music is apolitical, that decision is no longer in his hands.”
The protester continued, “Palestine is now associated with his concert, so he has to make a decision. Will he support the women, children, men and innocent people of Gaza who have been bombarded and killed by Israel?”
The Philadelphia protest is the newest visible sign of the broader pressure surrounding the tour after Macklemore’s exit. Following Sheeran’s statement about the “promoter’s decision,” fellow tour openers Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham dropped out of the tour. Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also exited.
Sheeran, a four-time Grammy winner, has opted to remain publicly neutral on the issue, according to the source material. But the reaction around the tour has continued to expand, with the Philadelphia demonstration placing the dispute directly outside one of his stadium dates.
What Happens Next?
The source material does not identify Sheeran’s next tour stop or any further statement from him, Macklemore, the departing openers or Beoga. What is confirmed is that the Loop Tour is now facing public fallout on multiple fronts: Macklemore’s removal, additional artists leaving the tour and protesters bringing pro-Palestine demands to Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert.