Ed Sheeran Adjusts Philadelphia Concert Start Time Amid Tour Cancellations

Ed Sheeran has altered the start time for his upcoming concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 19, at Lincoln Financial Field. The change comes after opening acts withdrew from his LOOP Tour, reportedly in solidarity after rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour lineup.

The Philadelphia concert's start time has been moved from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to Ticketmaster. However, other remaining dates on the tour are still scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Sheeran is reportedly prepared to perform the Philadelphia show alone, as his backup band has also withdrawn. Music industry sources suggest that while changes are being made close to the event, Sheeran is accustomed to performing with just a guitar and has previously done stadium shows without a full band.

Security has been increased for the Philadelphia show, with authorities planning a significant police presence at the venue due to anticipated pro-Palestine protests. The Philadelphia Police Department has stated that officers are coordinating with Sheeran's team to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.

Macklemore was removed from the tour after drawing backlash for a "Free Palestine" speech he delivered on stage weeks prior. Rolling Stone reported that several U.S. venues had informed tour promoters they would not permit Macklemore to perform due to his politically charged statements.

A boycott petition calling for Macklemore's removal from the tour had also been initiated. The rapper had opened for Sheeran on September 4 and 5 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, where he expressed his support for Palestine and criticized ICE.

In the wake of these events, ticket prices for the LOOP Tour have reportedly seen a decline. TMZ reported that resale prices dropped 11% since the beginning of the week, with a representative from TicketData noting that some softening before a show is typical, but the 25% drop for the Philadelphia concert was unusually significant.

Sheeran addressed the situation in a statement on Instagram, expressing his dismay at the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He stated that Macklemore had asked to join the tour and that he agreed out of respect for him as an artist. Sheeran explained that venues threatened to cancel upcoming shows if Macklemore continued to perform, citing how he conveyed his message rather than the entirety of his statements. He added that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him, and that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter.

Sheeran asserted that he does not use his platform for political statements, citing his audience includes many young people. He concluded by stating his efforts to mediate the situation were unsuccessful and that he stands by his personal values.

Other openers who have withdrawn from the LOOP Tour include Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga.