Singer Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding his Loop Tour while opening his solo concert in Philadelphia, apologising to fans for the “mistakes” made during the fallout. He spoke about the backlash over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the tour after his pro-Palestinian comments on stage earlier this month, while also explaining his own position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Speaking to the audience, the Shape of You singer said, “I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” he added.
In his first in-person comments since the controversy began, Sheeran described the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks as “horrific” and called the situation in Gaza “unjustifiable”. He also responded to questions over whether continuing to perform during the controversy indicated his position on the conflict.
“Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand,” he said.
“I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,” he added.
The controversy escalated after Macklemore was dropped from the tour following his on-stage remarks in support of Palestine. Sheeran has previously stated that the decision was taken by the tour promoters rather than by him.
The controversy also impacted the remaining US leg of the Loop Tour, with ticket prices falling and sales weakening. Several other artists withdrew from the tour amid the dispute.
Speaking about the uncertainty surrounding the tour, Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience that he had reached a stage where he “didn't know whether this tour would be carrying on” or “whether I even wanted to be an artist at all”. He said he ultimately returned to the stage because he remained committed to performing for his fans.
Sheeran on Israel-Palestine conflict
Sheeran spoke about the devastation caused by the conflict, while condemning both the October 7 attacks and the continuing situation in Gaza.
“What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain,” Sheeran said.
“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives, and this systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” he added.
The singer said he was trying to determine how he could make a meaningful contribution to people affected by the conflict, while admitting that he was still learning about the issue.
“I’m trying to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times and listening and learning, because I do not know enough,” he said.
Sheeran also voiced concern over the possibility of venues deciding in advance what artists can perform on stage.
“I’m deeply worried about the idea that venues pre-approve content for performance,” he said. “I am honestly so grateful that you're here tonight with me,” he told the crowd. “This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views,” he added.
Why was Macklemore removed from the tour?
The controversy started during Sheeran's September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Macklemore performed as an opening act. During his set, Macklemore spoke about the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He also said “Free Palestine” before performing his protest song, Hind's Hall.
Macklemore said his comments were intended to promote peace and love and to ensure that all people were treated with dignity, respect and equality. His remarks drew criticism from some Jewish and pro-Israel groups. An Israeli-American Council petition later called for Macklemore to be removed from Sheeran's tour.
On September 14, Macklemore publicly addressed the controversy after it emerged that he would not be performing on the remaining US tour dates.
