Ed Sheeran returns to stage after Macklemore was removed and other acts withdrew over Palestine row

Ed Sheeran is due back on stage in Philadelphia after Macklemore was removed from his tour over pro-Palestinian remarks, prompting Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga to withdraw in solidarity.

Ed Sheeran is set to return to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday, 19 September, for the first time since a dispute over Macklemore's removal from his Loop tour led all of his remaining supporting acts to withdraw.

Ed Sheeran to return to tour without his supporting acts

The singer is scheduled to perform at Lincoln Financial Field, with no replacement opening act announced. His return comes after a turbulent week in which his US tour was reshaped by a dispute involving Macklemore's comments about the Israel-Gaza conflict and the decision to remove him from the remaining dates.

Why Macklemore was removed

Macklemore had been performing as an opening act for Sheeran's US shows. During his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in early September, the rapper spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank and said "Free Palestine". He also performed his protest song Hind's Hall, which he released in 2024 in solidarity with Palestinians.

The comments were followed by calls for Macklemore to be removed from the tour. The Israeli-American Council had launched a petition seeking his removal, while venue owners also raised objections. Reuters reported that the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venue owners had refused to host shows with Macklemore on the bill.

Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy, saying the decision to remove Macklemore had been made by the promoter and venues rather than him.

He said he had been involved in discussions with promoters and venues in an attempt to find a resolution, but that the decision was ultimately final. He also said he had personal views on the conflict but had chosen not to discuss them publicly.

Finneas and other acts withdraw

Finneas, who was due to support Sheeran on six South American dates in November, announced that he was withdrawing from the tour. In a statement shared on social media, he said artists should not be silenced when speaking about people they believe are oppressed and said he stood with Palestine and its people.

Irish singer Aaron Rowe also pulled out of the remaining North American dates. He said the decision was difficult because of his relationship with Sheeran, but that he could not continue with the tour amid the circumstances surrounding Macklemore's removal.

Danish group Lukas Graham followed, while Beoga, the Irish band that had been performing alongside Sheeran during parts of his set, also withdrew.

That leaves Sheeran facing his Philadelphia performance without the supporting acts who had been part of the tour's recent US dates. The singer already performs much of the Loop show alone, although Beoga had joined him for several songs. According to The Independent, his website had not listed a replacement act ahead of Saturday's concert.

The Philadelphia show is also expected to take place amid continued demonstrations linked to the controversy. Pro-Palestinian groups have announced plans to protest outside Lincoln Financial Field, keeping the dispute over Macklemore's removal in public view as Sheeran resumes the tour.

Macklemore has since announced that he will donate $1 million from his tour earnings to Palestinian relief efforts and challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the donation.

Kraft and Sheeran have reportedly agreed to contribute $2 million collectively, although details about where that money will be directed have not been specified.

Sheeran's Loop tour is scheduled to continue after Philadelphia, with further North American and South American dates before its planned conclusion in Mexico City in December.

About the Author

Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.

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