Ed Sheeran Makes Huge Philadelphia Show Change as Support Acts Drop Out Over Macklemore Drama

Ed Sheeran has moved the start time of his Philadelphia concert to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 19 September, after Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdrew from his Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore following the rapper's removal. The show at Lincoln Financial Field was initially scheduled to begin at 5.30 p.m.

The news came after Macklemore was removed from the tour following remarks about Palestine during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 and 5 September. During his set, he called for a 'Free Palestine' and performed Hind's Hall while images from Gaza were displayed on the venue's big screens.

Ed Sheeran Faces a Changed Philadelphia Show

Macklemore's departure was followed by the withdrawal of Rowe, Graham and Finneas, who confirmed they would no longer appear on the tour in solidarity with him. Sheeran's backing band Beoga has also withdrawn from the tour.

For context, Sheeran was due to perform at 8 p.m. following the original 5.30 p.m. start. Ticketmaster now lists the Philadelphia concert as starting at 8 p.m., while the remaining Loop Tour dates are still scheduled to begin at 5.30 p.m.

The change is specific to the Philadelphia date, according to the supplied report. It comes as Sheeran's team works through the arrangements for a concert that has lost several of its scheduled artists and musicians.

Macklemore Drama Leaves Ed Sheeran Ready to Perform Solo

The timing change comes alongside a report from TMZ that Sheeran is 'ready to perform solo' following the departure of his support acts. Sources told the outlet that 'plans for the concert have been changing hour by hour behind the scenes' as Sheeran's team works through the logistics.

The same sources said there was 'no concern' about Sheeran performing on stage alone. They pointed to his previous performances at large venues with only his guitar, although the report does not confirm that the entire Philadelphia show will ultimately be performed without other musicians or artists.

The Irish Star said it had contacted Sheeran's representative for comment. The supplied report does not include a response.

Philadelphia Security Increases Amid Macklemore Fallout

Security has also been increased for Sheeran's Philadelphia performance as pro-Palestine demonstrations are scheduled to take place at Lincoln Financial Field. Jasmine Reilly, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, told TMZ, 'Our officers are talking to his team to make sure all appropriate measures are taken.'

Macklemore's removal followed his remarks during his MetLife Stadium performances. He said, 'Free Palestine. I said, Free Palestine!' and continued by saying he wanted the words to be heard by people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

He also condemned ICE, calling it a 'terrorist organization', before saying, 'Free Palestine. Free Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran,' and performing Hind's Hall.

The supplied report does not include a direct statement from Macklemore about the changed Philadelphia schedule. It also does not establish that the withdrawals themselves caused the 8 p.m. change, leaving the exact final arrangements for Saturday's concert dependent on developments behind the scenes.