Ed Sheeran Philadelphia protest follows Macklemore’s tour removal
Dozens rallied outside Lincoln Financial Field after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 19 before Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia show, protesting Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s U.S. Loop Tour. The Ed Sheeran Philadelphia protest focused on what activists called censorship of pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Protesters assembled near NRG Station shortly after 4 p.m., carrying Palestinian flags and signs, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Variety put the turnout at about 100 people and said the action had been scheduled before Sheeran’s 8 p.m. concert.
Jodi Rhoden, an organizer with Writers Against the War in Gaza, told Variety the demonstration was part of a broader movement for Palestinian lives, rather than being only about Sheeran or Macklemore. Organizers and participants included groups identified by Variety as Writers Against the War in Gaza, the Boycott Cooknsolo Coalition, Shut Down Day & Zimmermann and the Philly Palestine Coalition.
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore had opened Sheeran’s Sept. 4 and 5 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to Variety, Rolling Stone and the BBC, he performed his 2024 song “Hind’s Hall,” displayed footage from Gaza and called for a “Free Palestine” from the stage.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the U.S. dates, said venues had told it they would not permit concerts with Macklemore on the bill. The promoter said keeping him on the lineup could put the rest of the tour at risk, and Macklemore was subsequently dropped from the remaining dates.
Sheeran said the decision came from the promoter and venues, not him. He said he had spoken with venues in an effort to find a resolution, but could not do so, according to the BBC and Variety.
The dispute also stripped the Philadelphia date of its support lineup. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga withdrew after Macklemore’s removal, Variety reported, leaving Sheeran as the only listed act for the Philadelphia concert.
What is disputed in the tour fallout?
Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft persuaded other stadium owners to join an ultimatum demanding his removal. Kraft acknowledged opposing Macklemore’s scheduled appearance at Gillette Stadium, which Kraft’s company owns, but Rolling Stone reported that he did not address the wider allegation.
Kraft said Macklemore’s appearance at Gillette would cross a line, citing what he described as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, as well as material shown during the New Jersey shows. Macklemore has defended his advocacy for Palestinians and rejected the claim that it is antisemitic, Variety reported.
Philadelphia police said before the concert that they were working with venue staff and event organizers and would adjust deployment according to public-safety needs, Variety reported.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.