Ed Sheeran Tour Faces Pro‑Palestine Protests as Ticket Prices Drop

Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour is drawing pro‑Palestine protests as tickets drop to $76 for the Philadelphia show. The controversy follows the removal of support act Macklemore after he made comments about Gaza, leading several acts to withdraw. Sheeran’s team insists the decision was made by promoters, wh…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:42:20 GMT

Ed Sheeran’s latest North American run is not only a musical event but a flashpoint for political activism. The singer’s next stop, Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, is slated for a protest by pro‑Palestine groups as tickets for the show have fallen to a record low of $76 (about £56.95). The clash comes after the artist’s tour faced a wave of cancellations when support act Macklemore was removed from the lineup for remarks he made about Gaza.

Ticket Prices Drop, Protest Plans Rise

Tickets for the Philadelphia concert are now being sold for as little as $76, a steep discount from the original $112 (about £83.83) price that had been advertised for the same venue. The lower price has attracted a larger crowd of fans and, simultaneously, a larger group of activists who see the event as a platform to voice their concerns about the Israel‑Palestine conflict.

The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D& have taken to Instagram to announce that they will “take to the streets to return the conversation to Palestine, and return Philadelphia to action.” Their message echoes a broader movement that has been targeting high‑profile events across the United States in the past week.

Why Macklemore Was Dropped

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, was originally slated to support Sheeran on the “The Loop” tour. The rapper was removed after he made statements about Gaza that were deemed controversial by the tour’s promoters. The decision was announced by the tour’s management, and Macklemore subsequently posted on Instagram that he believed the removal was a “decision to remove” him from the tour.

In response, Sheeran clarified that the choice to drop Macklemore was made by the promoters, not by the artist himself. He added that several venues, including the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, had communicated that they would cancel the shows if Macklemore remained in the lineup. Sheeran emphasized that he holds personal views on the conflict but prefers not to speak publicly during his concerts.

Support Acts Pull Out

Following Macklemore’s removal, several other acts announced their withdrawal from the remaining dates of the tour. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Grammy‑winning musician Finneas (Billie Eilish’s brother), and Danish pop star Lukas Graham all chose to step away. The backing band Beoga also issued a statement on Instagram, saying they “fully supported” Macklemore’s message and would not continue with the tour.

These cancellations have left the tour with a smaller lineup, but Sheeran remains scheduled to perform in 18 cities across North and South America, concluding the run in Mexico City in December. Ticket prices for the final show in Tampa, Florida, are currently advertised at a minimum of $87 (about £65), while the Mexico City dates are listed at a minimum of 3,550 pesos (around £154).

What Happens Next?

As the protests in Philadelphia gather momentum, the event’s organizers have not yet issued a statement on security measures. Fans are advised to stay alert and follow official guidance from the venue. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about artists’ responsibilities and the intersection of music and politics continues to unfold.

With the tour still ongoing, the next stops in Foxborough and Hollywood, Florida, will likely see similar tensions. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new developments arise.