Ed Sheeran Ticket Prices Drop Amid Fallout From Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' Speech
Resale prices for Sheeran's LOOP Tour shows have seen a significant decline following Macklemore's removal and a wave of supporting acts quitting.
Resale ticket prices for Ed Sheeran's LOOP Tour have experienced a notable drop, with an 11 percent decrease reported since Monday, according to TicketData. The decline has been particularly steep for Sheeran's upcoming concert in Philadelphia, where resale prices have fallen 25 percent on secondary platforms.
This trend follows the recent removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour after he delivered a "Free Palestine" speech during his opening sets. TicketData noted that while some price softening before a tour is typical, the current dip is "pushing the edge of what you'd normally expect."
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, was dropped from the remaining dates of Sheeran's tour after sparking backlash for his politically charged remarks. Multiple major U.S. venues reportedly informed tour promoters they would not permit him to perform.
The controversy began when Macklemore used his opening slot at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to chant "Free Palestine" and deliver a speech advocating for the freedom and safety of people in Gaza and the West Bank. He also performed his protest song "Hind's Hall," accompanied by visuals of the devastation in Gaza.
The rapper's actions led to a boycott petition calling for his removal, with the Israeli-American Council arguing that an opening act should not use a global concert platform for a one-sided political agenda. Macklemore has a history of voicing support for Palestinians and criticizing Israel's conduct in the region.
In the wake of Macklemore's departure, a significant number of supporting acts and openers scheduled for the tour have abruptly quit. These include Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, as well as Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga.
Public reaction to Macklemore's statements has been divided on social media, with some defending his right to free speech and others accusing him of anti-Semitic rhetoric. Singer Pink also commented on the controversy, reposting a statement from StopAntisemitism that criticized Macklemore's performance as "anti-Israel propaganda."