Ed Sheeran Removes B Stage Fearing Fans Will Throw Things at Him After Macklemore Fallout

Ed Sheeran removed the B stage from his Loop Tour show in Philadelphia after saying he feared objects could be thrown at him if he moved into the middle of the crowd following the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from the tour.

The 35-year-old singer made the change for his 19 September concert at Lincoln Financial Field, his first performance since Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after making pro-Palestinian comments during Sheeran's shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Sheeran apologised to the Philadelphia audience for changing the usual production and said he did not know whether people would be angry with him or whether objects might be thrown. The B stage normally allows him to leave the main stage and perform closer to fans in the centre of the stadium.

Macklemore Fallout Changes Sheeran's Show

The removal of the B stage was one of several changes to the Philadelphia concert following Macklemore's departure. Several performers also withdrew from scheduled appearances on the tour.

Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran's US tour, said venues had told the company they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the line-up. The promoter subsequently announced that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining dates.

Sheeran later said the decision was made by the promoter and venues, not by him. In an Instagram statement, he said Macklemore's contract was with the promoter and that he intended to continue the tour for his fans and touring crew.

Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdrew from scheduled appearances, while Beoga, the Irish folk group that had performed with Sheeran, also left the tour.

Sheeran performed in Philadelphia with replacement musicians, including violinist Alicia Enstrom. He said the new musicians had agreed to join despite having only a few days to learn the material.

Sheeran Addresses Israel-Gaza Conflict

Sheeran also addressed the controversy during the concert, saying he had never wanted to be an 'activist musician' and describing the dispute as an argument involving freedom of speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He said his concerts were intended to provide a safe environment for everyone and that continuing to perform for his fans remained important to him.

Sheeran described the 7 October attacks in Israel as 'horrific' and said the situation in Gaza was 'catastrophic and unjustifiable'. He spoke about civilian suffering and said he was consulting people and organisations about how he could contribute to aid efforts.

The comments followed an earlier statement in which Sheeran said he was 'appalled' by the conflict but had generally kept his personal political views separate from his concerts.

Macklemore Defends His Position

Macklemore has defended his decision to speak about Palestinians during his performances and said he intended to continue using his platform to highlight the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The rapper said he and Sheeran had held difficult conversations following his removal from the tour but continued to express respect for the singer.

Macklemore has said he will donate $1m (about £746,900) in net earnings from the Sheeran tour to organisations supporting Palestinians, according to his statement.

Sheeran's Philadelphia concert went ahead despite the changes to his usual production and touring line-up. The singer performed without the B stage and with replacement musicians following the departures from the tour.