The singer‑songwriter’s show is set for Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, but the lineup that usually includes a mix of openers and a supporting band has collapsed, leaving Sheeran to face the crowd alone or with only occasional guest musicians.
Macklemore, who had been booked as the original U.S. opener, was dropped by the tour promoter after he shouted “Free Palestine” during a September 5 performance in New Jersey. Sheeran said the decision was driven by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium on the tour’s itinerary, and that he himself was not responsible.
Following Sheeran’s public statement on Tuesday that he was not involved in the removal, a cascade of withdrawals ensued. Danish pop group Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who had been tapped to replace Macklemore, pulled out, as did Finneas, the brother and collaborator of Billie Eilish, who was slated to join Sheeran on a South‑American leg later this year. The Irish folk band Beoga, which had been joining Sheeran for several songs at each stop, also withdrew its support.
Tickets for the Philadelphia concert remain on sale and the artist’s website lists no replacement acts. A coalition of pro‑Palestinian groups has announced plans to protest outside the stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Macklemore announced Wednesday that he will donate $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and urged Kraft to match the contribution. A Kraft spokesperson later said both Kraft and Sheeran have each pledged $2 million, though the destination of the funds has not been disclosed.
Sheeran’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. In a Tuesday statement, the Grammy‑winning artist said he would not be drawn into the Gaza conflict debate, emphasizing that fans attend his shows for music, not politics, and that he had spent weeks speaking with venues to “build a bridge” before Macklemore’s removal.
The Loop Tour remains the world’s highest‑grossing concert series, averaging more than $7 million in box‑office revenue per city, according to Pollstar. Through the end of 2025, Sheeran ranks as the third‑most‑earning concert act worldwide since 2021.
Industry experts note that while promoters and venue owners wield considerable influence over tour logistics, an artist of Sheeran’s stature typically retains final say over performance decisions, underscoring the unusual pressure he faces in this episode.