Ed Sheeran broke his silence during a solo concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, calling the situation in Gaza catastrophic and unjustifiable. His remarks at Lincoln Financial Field followed a tumultuous week that saw his U.S. tour plunge into turmoil after the removal of opener Macklemore.
Concert Stage Becomes a Forum for Gaza and Free Speech
Ed Sheeran opened his performance at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday evening with direct remarks addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Stepping onto the stage alone with no opener, though he was joined by other musicians later in the show, the artist told the crowd that he wanted his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics.
He also stated: I don't want to disappoint fans, and I've never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.
Sheeran stated on Saturday, adding that he wanted his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics. He also told the audience: I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry for them.
The Macklemore Ousting and Venue Pressure
The controversy began after rapper Macklemore, Sheeran’s original U.S. opener, was dropped in response to exclaiming “Free Palestineduring a Sept. 5 show in New Jersey. Sheeran's US Loop Tour has been embroiled in crisis since the rapper Macklemore was removed as opening act on Monday, after the owners of stadiums hosting coming shows objected to his shouting
Free Palestine” on stage in New Jersey earlier this month.
Sheeran, 35, has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, instead blaming the tour promoter. Sheeran has said he was not responsible for the decision, which came at the urging of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. His company owns a stadium where Sheeran’s tour was scheduled to play on Friday. Macklemore accused Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, of organizing a boycott among stadium owners in response, an allegation Kraft did not deny.
In a statement, Kraft, a staunch supporter of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the decision was not intended to stifle Palestinian advocacy or diminish Palestinian suffering. Sheeran has been accused by critics of failing to stand up to the stadium owners – led by billionaire businessman Robert Kraft – and was targeted by boycott calls.
Tour Departures and Supporting Acts
Within hours of Sheeran’s statement Tuesday, his supporting acts withdrew. Four supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour, issuing public statements citing their support for Palestinians.
Sheeran has performed much of his Loop Tour concerts solo, but he had been joined for several songs at each stop by the Irish folk band Beoga before they dropped out in support of Macklemore. Macklemore was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe before they backed out. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was due to tour with Sheeran in South America.
Protests Outside the Stadium
Outside the stadium a small gathering of chanting protesters greeted concertgoers, waving Palestinian flags and chanting Free, free Palestine
. Demonstrators shouted Free, free Palestine
in unison as motorists honked their horns in support.
Robert Boucher, 73, a retired surgeon, said he was there to take a stand for freedom of speech. The action that’s been taken by the stadium owners and folks who oppose Macklemore and what he represents and the comments that he’s made, that’s really an unjustifiable attempt to squelch free speech,
Boucher said. The Philadelphia resident asserted that his criticism is of the Israeli government and its treatment of civilians in Gaza, not a stance against Jewish people. We’re here to specifically support our right to say the things that we’re saying and to not be labeled as antisemites or anti-Israel,
he said.
Gwen Myrick, 51, of West Philadelphia, said she supports Macklemore’s stand. I am here in support of Macklemore,
she said. Because that is how a movement is born — standing up for the people who are brave enough to stand up.