Ed Sheeran’s Philly show plummets as Macklemore exits the lineup

The first concert of Ed Sheeran’s 2026 Loop Tour, set for tonight at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, has seen a noticeable drop in ticket sales. Fans can still purchase tickets ranging from $56 to $251, but the limited inventory remains largely unsold.

The situation follows a week‑long controversy that erupted when rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour.

StubHub reports that dozens of tickets are still available for purchase, yet no buyers have claimed them in the hours leading up to the show. As the event approaches, fans face a narrow window to secure seats before the venue closes sales.

The controversy began when Macklemore posted on Instagram that Ed had told him, during a phone conversation, that Robert Kraft—owner of Gillette Stadium—wanted the rapper fired from the tour. Macklemore said that if he did not comply, his concerts would be cancelled at future venues, including Gillette Stadium.

Following the statement, Macklemore was removed from the tour and the remaining opening acts walked away in solidarity over free‑speech concerns.

## Background & Context

Macklemore was kicked off Ed Sheeran’s 2026 Loop Tour after he made remarks that some viewed as inflammatory pro‑Palestine during a concert in New Jersey. The incident prompted a chain reaction: Macklemore was shown the door, and the three other opening acts left the tour in support of free speech.

In response, Ed Sheeran released a statement saying that it was not him who fired Macklemore but the tour promoters who made that decision. The event has drawn criticism from fellow musicians, including Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, who accused Sheeran of being responsible for the removal.

The fallout from the Macklemore incident has spilled over into ticket sales. StubHub data shows a significant number of unsold tickets for Sheeran’s Philadelphia show, reflecting fans’ hesitation amid the controversy. The concert, scheduled for tonight, is the first opportunity for Sheeran to perform after the tour disruption.

## What People Are Saying

Social media buzz surrounding the event highlights mixed reactions. Some fans express disappointment that Sheeran’s show is affected by a dispute over another artist’s political statements. Others note that the unsold tickets could indicate a broader backlash against Sheeran’s association with the tour’s promotional decisions.

The situation also underscores how quickly public perception can shift in response to artists’ actions—or perceived actions—during a live‑event series.

Meanwhile, official statements from the tour promoters remain silent on the decision to remove Macklemore, leaving many questions unanswered. Fans and observers alike are watching closely to see whether the ticket sales rebound as the show approaches, or whether the controversy will continue to dampen interest in Sheeran’s performances.

The night’s performance is set to begin at 7:30 p.m., with tickets still on sale until midnight. As Philadelphia’s fans wait, the unfolding situation serves as a reminder of how quickly controversies can ripple through a touring artist’s schedule and impact ticket demand.