British singer Ed Sheeran is set to return to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday. This comes amid boycott calls and planned protests linked to a controversy over pro-Palestinian comments made by former opening act Macklemore, a situation now often referred to as the Ed Sheeran Palestine row.
According to AFP, Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after stadium owners hosting upcoming shows objected to him shouting “Free Palestine” during a performance in New Jersey earlier this month. The Ed Sheeran Palestine row quickly gained attention because of this incident.
Sheeran has denied being responsible for the rapper’s removal, saying the decision was taken by the tour promoter.
Ed Sheeran controversy draws protest plans
The controversy widened after four supporting acts reportedly pulled out of the tour. These included Sheeran’s backing band and singer Finneas. Finneas is widely known for his collaborations with sister Billie Eilish.
Sheeran has maintained that he prefers not to turn his concerts into political forums. This is despite growing pressure on entertainers to publicly address the conflict in Gaza and violence involving Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The Ed Sheeran Palestine row has intensified such discussions.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict,” Sheeran said in an Instagram statement.
“Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
He added that people attending his concerts “do not expect a political forum.”
Boycott calls follow tour dispute
The singer has since faced boycott calls from critics who believe he should have taken a stronger stand following Macklemore’s removal. In summary, the Ed Sheeran Palestine row remains a point of contention among fans and critics alike.
A pro-Palestinian rally was also scheduled near Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Saturday’s Philadelphia concert.
Philadelphia police told AFP that an “appropriate police presence” would be deployed to help protect concertgoers, workers and nearby residents.
It remained unclear whether replacement opening acts or a new backing band would join Sheeran for the performance.
TicketData founder Keith Pagello said some ticket buyers may be completely detached from the political controversy surrounding the tour.
The cheapest resale tickets reportedly dropped from £123 on Monday to £67 by Friday afternoon. However, Pagello said such declines are common as concert dates approach and may not necessarily be linked to the controversy.
