Ed Sheeran Calls Gaza Situation ‘Catastrophic’ at Philadelphia Show

Views 10 Published by September 20, 2026

Ed Sheeran performed a solo concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, addressing the Gaza conflict after his tour was roiled by the removal of opener Macklemore for pro-Palestinian remarks.

Ed Sheeran opened a solo concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19 with comments on Gaza, following controversy that saw supporting acts withdraw in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian statements onstage.

Sheeran said he considers the situation in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He stated: “My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives.” The artist said he wants his music and shows to focus on unity and humanity rather than politics, and noted that the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel were horrific.

Macklemore, Sheeran’s original U.S. opener, was dropped after exclaiming “Free Palestine” during a September 5 show in New Jersey and was replaced by Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe. The decision came at the urging of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium where Sheeran’s tour was scheduled to play. Within hours of Sheeran’s statement on Tuesday, supporting acts Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Finneas withdrew from the tour.

Macklemore announced Wednesday he is donating $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and called on Kraft to match the gift. A Kraft spokesperson said the billionaire and Sheeran have each agreed to donate $2 million, though neither has specified where the funds will be directed.

Sheeran told the Philadelphia crowd that everyone is welcome at his concerts regardless of differing viewpoints, and that his songs are about “love, hope, and unity.”