Ed Sheeran apologizes for ‘mistakes’ in first show since Macklemore removed from tour

Ed Sheeran apologized for "mistakes" at his first show since Macklemore was removed from his tour, sparking a broader controversy that led to other opening acts quitting. The rapper Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's "Loop" tour on September 14, 2026, following his on-stage "free Palestine" statements at MetLife Stadium earlier in the month. Sheeran attributed this decision to the tour's promoter and pressure from venue owners, including Robert Kraft, who allegedly threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

In solidarity with Macklemore, other planned openers such as Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and even Sheeran's backing band Beoga, subsequently withdrew from the tour last week. Appearing solo at his Philadelphia concert on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Sheeran expressed regret for his handling of the situation and acknowledged making "difficult decisions."

During his performance, Sheeran broke his usual apolitical stance to voice his concern over venues vetting artists' content and also shared his personal views on the conflict. While condemning the October 2023 Hamas attack, he described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate" and highlighted "systemic injustice" in the West Bank.