Ed Sheeran became emotional during his first concert since Macklemore was removed from his Loop Tour, telling fans in Philadelphia that the controversy had pushed him into a political debate he had spent years trying to avoid.
Sheeran addressed the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sept. 19, before launching into his set, saying the previous week had been one of the most difficult periods of his career.
The 35-year-old singer said he had never wanted to become an “activist musician” and had always tried to make his shows about unity rather than politics.
But he said the controversy surrounding Macklemore, freedom of speech and the Israel-Gaza war had made remaining silent impossible.
Sheeran condemned the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack in Israel as horrific while also describing the suffering in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He also referenced civilian deaths and conditions in the West Bank during the emotional speech.
Video of Sheeran’s remarks circulated widely online as he appeared to fight back tears while speaking.
The full controversy began after Macklemore, who had been scheduled as an opening act on Sheeran’s tour, made pro-Palestinian remarks during an earlier performance and said “Free Palestine” from the stage.
Macklemore was subsequently dropped from upcoming tour dates.
Sheeran has maintained that the decision was not his alone, saying the tour promoter made the final call after discussions involving venues. NBC Philadelphia reported that pressure also came from parties connected to Gillette Stadium, which is owned by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
The move triggered an immediate backlash.
Several artists scheduled to appear with Sheeran, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga, later withdrew from tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore or in protest over the decision.
Sheeran acknowledged the criticism during Saturday’s concert and apologized for mistakes he believes he made while navigating the dispute.
He said he was accustomed to people criticizing his music, but this situation felt different because it involved issues far bigger than his career.
The singer also revealed just how uncertain he felt walking back onto the stage.
Sheeran said he had worried about how the Philadelphia crowd might react and even removed a secondary stage that would normally have placed him in the middle of the audience because he did not know whether he would be welcomed there.
He ultimately decided to continue with the concert, saying his commitment to fans and the hundreds of people whose livelihoods depend on the tour also weighed heavily on him.
Sheeran also voiced concern over venues attempting to control or approve what artists can say during performances.
He argued that while restrictions on performers exist in some countries where he tours, he does not believe artists in democratic societies should have their speech pre-approved by venues.
Outside Lincoln Financial Field, a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered before the concert.
Philadelphia police said officers were present to monitor the protest and protect both concertgoers and demonstrators exercising their First Amendment rights.
Reaction among Sheeran’s own fans was mixed.
Some concertgoers told local media they had tried to sell their tickets because of the Macklemore controversy, while others said they attended simply to hear Sheeran’s music and did not want politics to dominate the show.
By the end of the night, Sheeran again became emotional while discussing friends and colleagues he said had distanced themselves from him during the fallout.
Despite the pressure to cancel dates, he told the Philadelphia crowd he intends to keep performing.