Performing solo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026, Ed Sheeran addressed the recent fracturing of his “The Loop” tour. The concert marked Sheeran’s first appearance since the controversial removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour lineup and the subsequent withdrawal of all remaining opening acts and his own backing band.
The tour’s internal collapse began earlier in September following Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance at MetLife Stadium. In the days that followed, supporting artists Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham all withdrew from the tour in a show of solidarity with the ousted rapper. The exodus left Sheeran to navigate the Philadelphia date without a supporting bill or the musical accompaniment of his standard touring group.
During the Philadelphia show, Sheeran spoke directly to the audience about the turmoil surrounding the production.
While Sheeran has previously avoided taking firm political stances, his onstage comments in Philadelphia included a more specific address of the conflict in the Middle East. According to reporting by The Times of Israel, Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
The removal of Macklemore was reportedly not a decision made in a vacuum. Industry reports suggest that Sheeran’s team faced significant pressure from major venue owners, including Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, who owns Gillette Stadium. These owners reportedly threatened to block “The Loop” tour from their venues unless Macklemore was removed from the bill.
In what appeared to be a response to this administrative pressure, Sheeran reportedly pledged a $2 million donation to humanitarian aid efforts. During the Philadelphia set, he challenged Kraft to match the sum. This move comes as the tour continues to face logistical hurdles following the loss of the original supporting acts.
