Is Ed Sheeran still playing Philadelphia? Openers drop from tour - USA Today
Uncertainty surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour lineup continues, just days before he's supposed to play Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.
After rapper Macklemore was dropped from the 'Loop Tour' for his "Free Palestine" speech at a previous venue, multiple supporting acts as well as Sheeran's band have dropped in solidarity.
Danish pop band Lukas Graham and Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe were both scheduled to open in Philadelphia on Sept. 19.
They have since delivered lengthy social media statements explaining their decision to drop from the tour.
"Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge," Graham posted.
Aaron Rowe said, "As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children."
Earlier this week, Macklemore shared that he was dropped from Sheeran's tour after a number of stadium owners gave Sheeran the "ultimatum" that if Macklemore was on the tour, they would not be permitted to play the venue.
Sheeran delivered his own statement Sept. 15, saying that he is "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine."
He confirmed that venue owners threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the setlist.
"I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge," Sheeran said. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine."
As of Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, Sheeran's Philadelphia "Loop Tour" stop was still on the books.
Neither Ed Sheeran's personal account or verified headquarters account seem to indicate any news of replacement acts.
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.
