Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore ouster at stripped-down Philadelphia show

Sheeran performs solo after several openers withdraw from Loop Tour bill

Ed Sheeran took the stage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday night without an opening act, publicly addressing the audience for the first time about the controversy that erupted after American rapper Macklemore was dropped from the remaining US dates of his Loop Tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.

In remarks at the start of the show, the British singer said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his promoters rather than by him. He also acknowledged he had made “mistakes” during “difficult decisions.”

“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,” Sheeran told the Philadelphia crowd.

“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone,” he added, saying he was committed to fans and that was why he returned to the stage.

The Saturday concert was a stripped-down event after several opening acts withdrew from the bill over the Macklemore dispute. Without the openers, the show’s start time was pushed back, and a number of seats in the venue were empty when the concert began.

Ticket prices for the remaining US leg of the Loop Tour fell and sales declined, with some tickets for the Philadelphia show dropping to $32 (£24). Sheeran’s previous tour had been among the highest-grossing of all time.

Fans also reported being able to get ticket refunds. Ticketmaster and concert promoter Messina Touring Group did not confirm they were being reimbursed when asked.

Outside the venue, a smattering of press cameras waited at the entry gates, though most fans declined to speak to the press. A few dozen protesters gathered near the nearest tube stop, waving flags as ticket holders streamed toward Lincoln Financial Field. The concert proceeded largely without disruption.

An hour or so before the show began, hundreds of concertgoers began to stream in for the event.

The Loop Tour is scheduled to continue with shows set throughout North and South America. The BBC’s reporting from Philadelphia was by Nardine Saad and Carl Nasman.