Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" resumed in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field, marking his first performance since controversy erupted over the removal of opener Macklemore and the subsequent withdrawal of all other supporting acts. Macklemore was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage, a decision that Sheeran attributed to his promoter, Messina Touring Group, and pressure from venues like Robert Kraft's Gillette Stadium. Fans are divided, with some feeling Macklemore was treated unfairly and demanding refunds for a show that no longer matches what they paid for, while others support Sheeran, citing his contractual obligations.
The controversy has significantly impacted ticket sales and prices. Resale ticket prices for Sheeran's remaining US concert dates have fallen, with some tickets for the Philadelphia show dropping to as low as $42 from an earlier $100. The number of resale listings for the Philadelphia concert also increased by 54% in the days leading up to the show. The tour, which was previously the highest-grossing in the world with an average box office gross of over $7 million per city, is now facing financial repercussions and calls for boycotts.
Several artists, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, American singer-songwriter Finneas, and Irish folk band Beoga, withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran's Philadelphia show, originally set to begin at 5:30 pm, was rescheduled to 8 pm due to the absence of opening acts. Macklemore has pledged to donate his $1 million net earnings from the tour to Palestinian relief efforts, and a spokesperson for Robert Kraft indicated that Kraft and Sheeran have each agreed to donate $2 million to unspecified causes.
