Ed Sheeran Loop Tour 26 Macklemore and Philadelphia Concert

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PHILADELPHIA, US — September 20, 2026: Ed Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday as his Loop Tour continued amid major changes to its supporting line-up.

The concert at Lincoln Financial Field was Sheeran’s first performance since controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from the tour led several other scheduled opening acts to withdraw.

Sheeran addressed the situation during the show and also spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as deeply distressing while reiterating that he did not personally make the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour.

The developments have placed the international singer’s tour under intense public attention.

Philadelphia marks a significant return

Sheeran’s official tour schedule confirms that the Philadelphia concert took place on September 19, with further US dates scheduled later in September.

The concert proceeded without the previously announced collection of opening acts.

The change followed the departure of several performers from the tour.

Among those who withdrew were Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.

Their departures came after Macklemore was removed from the tour following controversy surrounding his public comments and performances in support of Palestinians.

What happened to Macklemore?

Macklemore had been scheduled to appear as an opening act during Sheeran’s US tour.

The rapper had attracted attention for public comments supporting Palestinians and performances connected with the conflict in Gaza.

According to reporting surrounding the dispute, the decision to remove him from the tour followed pressure from venues and the wider controversy surrounding his appearances.

Sheeran later clarified that the decision was made by the tour promoter rather than by him personally.

That distinction became an important part of the discussion after Macklemore was removed.

Sheeran said he had not sought to prevent Macklemore from expressing his views and that the decision came from the tour’s promoter.

Other artists withdraw

The controversy did not end with Macklemore’s departure.

Several other musicians who had been scheduled to perform as opening acts subsequently withdrew from the tour.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga were among those who announced their departures.

The withdrawals created a major change to the planned concert format.

The Philadelphia show subsequently proceeded without the advertised supporting acts.

The changes also generated discussion among fans, some of whom had purchased tickets expecting a multi-artist concert.

Ed Sheeran addresses the issue

During his Philadelphia performance, Sheeran spoke publicly about the controversy.

He said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his and expressed concern about the situation.

The singer also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

According to People, Sheeran described the situation as catastrophic and unjustifiable and spoke about civilian suffering and the wider conflict.

His comments marked a significant public intervention for an artist who has generally avoided making political issues a central part of his public image.

However, the remarks were framed around humanitarian concerns rather than an endorsement of a political party or candidate.

A complicated moment for the tour

The dispute comes during one of Sheeran’s largest international touring periods.

The Loop Tour has been built around large stadium performances, making the loss of several supporting acts particularly noticeable.

Sheeran’s upcoming US schedule includes performances at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on September 25 and 26.

The tour’s organisers will therefore need to continue managing the show following the changes to the opening line-up.

Whether additional artists will join future dates has not been established in the available reporting.

Fans remain central to the tour

Despite the controversy, Sheeran’s Philadelphia performance went ahead.

Fans attended the concert and Sheeran performed without the supporting acts who had previously been scheduled.

The situation highlights the complicated relationship between large touring productions, artists, promoters and venue operators.

Major stadium tours often involve multiple companies and performers, meaning decisions about line-ups can involve several parties.

In this case, the disagreement has also raised questions about the boundaries between artists’ public statements and commercial entertainment arrangements.

Free speech and entertainment

The dispute has become part of a wider conversation within the entertainment industry about artists expressing political views.

Macklemore has publicly supported Palestinian causes, while other artists have taken different positions.

The decision to remove him from the tour and the subsequent withdrawals have demonstrated how public statements can affect commercial entertainment events.

Sheeran has sought to distinguish himself from the decision, saying the promoter made the call.

That distinction remains central to understanding the controversy.

Humanitarian donations

The dispute has also resulted in discussions about financial support for humanitarian causes.

Macklemore has pledged to donate his tour earnings to Palestinian aid organisations.

Sheeran and Robert Kraft, whose Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host Sheeran’s upcoming shows, have also been linked to discussions about humanitarian contributions.

The financial commitments have not removed the disagreement surrounding the tour, but they have added another dimension to the story.

What happens next?

Sheeran’s next scheduled US performances will provide the next indication of how the tour continues after the line-up changes.

The singer has several major stadium dates ahead.

For audiences, the central attraction remains Sheeran’s own performance, but the absence of opening acts has changed the structure of the concerts.

The promoter and venues will also have to manage any further questions surrounding ticket expectations and the revised programme.

Sheeran has indicated that he wants his concerts to remain inclusive spaces for audiences with different views.

His Philadelphia comments suggest that he is attempting to separate the live music experience from the controversy surrounding the tour.

A major entertainment story with wider implications

The Loop Tour dispute is significant because it demonstrates how the entertainment industry can become entangled with wider social and political debates.

Artists increasingly use concerts and public platforms to discuss issues beyond music.

At the same time, promoters and venue operators have commercial responsibilities and may respond differently to controversial statements.

The Macklemore dispute has brought those tensions into public view.

For Sheeran, the immediate priority is continuing the tour.

His Philadelphia concert proceeded despite the controversy and the withdrawal of several opening acts.

The singer now faces a series of upcoming stadium shows that will be watched closely by fans and the wider entertainment industry.

For Macklemore and the other artists involved, the episode has become part of a broader debate about artistic expression and commercial partnerships.

The coming weeks will show whether the tour settles into its revised format or whether further changes emerge.

For now, Sheeran remains on the road, with his Loop Tour continuing across the United States.