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Sheeran says promoters dropped Macklemore over Palestine remarks
BBC News··6d ago
Ed Sheeran opened his Philadelphia show alone and addressed Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks. He said promoters decided, not him, and that he never aimed to be an activist musician. He cited free speech debates. BBC reported ticket prices for some remaining US dates fell to $32 and sales declined after opening acts pulled out.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Fans who already bought Loop Tour tickets may see lower resale prices if demand stays soft after lineup changes.
- Concertgoers in remaining US cities face a show without previously billed opening acts.
- Refund policies depend on Ticketmaster and the promoter; BBC reported fans sought refunds but firms did not confirm reimbursement.
What's Happening
- Macklemore was dropped after pro-Palestinian remarks, and several musicians then withdrew from opening slots.
- Sheeran began the Philadelphia set by saying promoters, not he, made the removal decision.
- Empty seats were visible when the stripped-down show started after the start time slipped.
Concert economics after lineup changes
- Promoters Messina Touring Group handled tour booking decisions that Sheeran publicly distanced himself from.
- Sheeran said his shows were meant as a safe space and that he returned to honour fans.
- The dispute sits inside wider arguments over free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict he referenced on stage.
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