Ed Sheeran Changed Stage Layout Due to Fear of Audience Backlash Over Politics

Ed Sheeran revealed that he altered the stage layout for his Philadelphia concert on Saturday night due to concerns that the audience might react negatively, including the possibility of objects being thrown at him. The pop star explained that he decided against using a planned "B Stage" for the performance, admitting, "I didn't know what this audience would be like. I didn't know if I would have things thrown at me. I didn't know if people would be angry at me, so today is not the usual Loop show."

This decision came after the concert was preceded by pro-Palestine protests. Sheeran expressed gratitude to his new backing musicians, who joined him on short notice after his regular band, Irish group Beoga, withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore's departure. "I just want to say before they come onstage, they said yes to being onstage with the knowledge that the world thought I was a certain type of person," Sheeran told the crowd. "They said yes with the knowledge that the world may hate them too for standing on stage with me, and I am so grateful for them being here tonight and standing on stage with me in front of you guys."

Sheeran also addressed the controversy surrounding his previous opening act, Macklemore, who was removed from the tour after expressing support for Palestine. Sheeran stated that he had "found out who his friends are" during the week and apologized for his handling of the situation, admitting to making "mistakes." He called the situation in Gaza "catastrophic and unjustifiable" and the Hamas attacks of October 7 "horrific."

"I really didn't know whether this tour would be carrying on. In these situations, you really find out who your friends are and it's been a weird week," Sheeran said. "My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of lives." He became emotional, telling the cheering crowd, "I'm so grateful you are here with me tonight."

At the conclusion of the show, Sheeran visibly became emotional again as he apologized for the "first bit of the show where it wasn't about music and I had to talk." He acknowledged that some audience members might not have expected political commentary, stating, "I understand that people have children here and I understand that families didn't buy a ticket to hear that first bit of the show, but that was something I felt like I needed to say."

Sheeran had previously stated that his shows are intended to be about unity and not division, but he felt compelled to speak out on the humanitarian issue. He confirmed his intention to continue the tour despite other openers withdrawing in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran emphasized that his concerts are a space for people to come together, adding, "I will never stop doing this. I will never stop doing this. I love doing this so much."

Macklemore had stated that Sheeran informed him that stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, had collectively issued an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the tour, Sheeran would not be allowed to play in their venues. Sheeran later clarified via Instagram that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him. He also noted his concern over venues pre-approving content, stating, "This happens in so many places that I've gone around the world, but it should never happen in the free world."