Ed Sheeran Delays Philly Gig to 8 p.m., Macklemore Fades, Openers Exit

Ed Sheeran has moved the opening of his Philadelphia show to 8 p.m. on Saturday, a shift made after the rapper lost his opening acts and the headline act himself was removed from the Loop Tour.

The change comes as the artist grapples with the fallout from Macklemore’s protest performance and the solidarity walkout by his planned support acts.

The venue, Lincoln Financial Field, had originally slated a 5:30 p.m. start time, giving Sheeran a brief slot after Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga. Those artists all announced their withdrawal on Tuesday in support of Macklemore, prompting the rescheduling.

No replacement opening acts have yet been named for the Philadelphia event.

Sheeran’s other North American dates remain set to begin at 5:30 p.m., but the artist has not indicated when or if new support acts will be added to those shows.

## Background & Context

Earlier this month, Macklemore performed “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and shouted “Free Palestine,” a protest track named after Hind Rajab, a five‑year‑old Palestinian girl killed by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. The performance led to his removal from the Loop Tour.

Macklemore later said on Instagram that Sheeran and his team “made the decision to remove [him] from the ‘Loop’ tour.” In response, Sheeran clarified that the decision was made by the promoter, noting that Macklemore’s contract was “with the promoter” rather than with him.

The four original opening acts—Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—announced their walkout on Tuesday. Finneas posted on Instagram that “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. …

I stand with Palestine and its people.” Their collective exit underscored the broader controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal.

## What People Are Saying

The situation has sparked a wave of reactions from the music community and fans alike. Macklemore’s Instagram statement highlighted his view that Sheeran regarded him as a “brother” and that he was told by Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, that he would not be allowed to perform there.

Meanwhile, Sheeran’s own post emphasized that he had tried to “build a bridge” between the sides but ultimately could not control the way Macklemore conveyed his message.

Jethro Sheeran, Ed’s cousin, took to Instagram to criticize the artist’s handling of the situation. He called him “selfish,” “malicious” and “cunning,” accusing him of caring only for himself and of creating a “fake narrative” to protect his brand deals. These comments reflect growing frustration within the family circle.

Ticket buyers have also voiced concerns, demanding refunds after Macklemore’s exit and the change in start time. Some fans suggest that ticketing platforms could sell unsold tickets to other customers following the cancellation of the original opening acts.

## What Happens Next

Ed Sheeran’s team has not announced any replacement opening acts for the Philadelphia show, leaving fans uncertain about the full lineup. The concert’s new start time at 8 p.m. is now the only confirmed change. Ticket holders are advised to consult their sellers for refund policies or potential rescheduling options.

Across the remaining North American tour stops, the 5:30 p.m. start times remain unchanged, though no further updates on support acts have been released.

The unfolding drama has highlighted tensions between artists, promoters and political activism. As Sheeran navigates the fallout, the broader conversation about performance rights, protest messaging and ticketing transparency continues to unfold.