Pro-Palestinian Protesters Gather at Ed Sheeran Philadelphia Show

Views 13 Published by September 19, 2026

Around 100 demonstrators gathered outside Ed Sheeran's concert at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday following Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour after his pro-Palestine remarks.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Ed Sheeran’s concert at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night, marking the singer’s first performance since Macklemore was dropped from his Loop Tour following onstage remarks supporting Palestine.

The demonstration, which drew approximately 100 participants, was organized by Writers Against the War in Gaza, the Boycott Cooknsolo Coalition and Shut Down Day & Zimmermann. Speakers addressed the crowd at 4:30 p.m. ahead of Sheeran’s 8 p.m. performance.

Macklemore opened Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he performed his 2024 pro-Palestinian protest song “Hind’s Hall,” displayed Gaza footage and called for “Free Palestine” from the stage. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced days later that Macklemore would no longer appear on remaining dates, citing stadium concerns and potential jeopardy to the tour.

Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium (scheduled for September 25–26), rallied other stadium owners behind an ultimatum for his removal. Kraft acknowledged opposing Macklemore’s participation, stating it “would cross that line” and arguing the presentation ignored Hamas actions and contributed to divisiveness.

Sheeran said the decision was made by tour promoters and venues rather than by him. The removal prompted Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish group Beoga to withdraw from the tour. Saturday’s Philadelphia show was rescheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Sheeran as the sole act.

The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations sent an open letter criticizing the exclusion and raising questions about free expression and Palestinian advocacy rights.