Ed Sheeran Removes B Stage Over Safety Fears in Philadelphia

Ed Sheeran made significant changes to his Loop Tour performance in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 19, amid continuing controversy over Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. tour. The singer performed at Lincoln Financial Field without the usual opening acts and also removed the tour’s smaller B stage after expressing concern about how the audience might respond to him.

The B stage is normally positioned in the middle of the audience, allowing Sheeran to perform closer to fans during parts of the show. However, he decided not to use it in Philadelphia because he was uncertain about the reaction he would receive following the events surrounding Macklemore. Sheeran told the crowd, “I didn’t know what this audience would be like. I didn’t know if I’d have things thrown at me.” He also acknowledged that he was afraid of what could happen if he stood among the audience.

Sheeran apologized to fans for presenting a reduced version of the usual Loop Tour production. The concert also featured a newly assembled backing group after his regular musicians and scheduled supporting performers withdrew from the tour following Macklemore’s departure. Sheeran thanked the replacement musicians, who had only a few days to learn his material.

The controversy began after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian comments during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including saying “Free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” He was subsequently removed from the remaining U.S. dates. Sheeran has maintained that the decision was made by the promoter and venues rather than by him, saying he spent the week attempting to find a solution.

The removal triggered further changes to the tour when supporting acts including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew. Their departures left Sheeran without the lineup that had originally been scheduled for the Philadelphia performance.

Sheeran also used the Philadelphia concert to address the wider controversy surrounding free speech and the Israel-Gaza conflict. He told the audience that he had made mistakes and apologized, saying, “I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry.” He said he was deeply concerned about venues deciding in advance what performers could say onstage.

During his remarks, Sheeran described the October 7 Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel as “horrific” and said the situation in Gaza was “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He also criticized what he described as systemic injustice in the West Bank while emphasizing that he was still listening and learning rather than presenting himself as an expert on the conflict.

The Philadelphia performance marked Sheeran’s first concert since Macklemore’s removal and the subsequent upheaval within the Loop Tour. Pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered outside the venue as Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage.