From NPR · · 2m
Ed Sheeran navigates Gaza controversy at Philadelphia show
The singer broke his silence on Gaza after his opener was dropped and supporting acts withdrew over the political dispute.
In brief
The singer broke his silence on Gaza after his opener was dropped and supporting acts withdrew over the political dispute. Sheeran called Gaza's situation catastrophic and unjustifiable but insisted he doesn't want to be an activist musician, leaving fans and critics divided on whether neutrality itself is a political…
Sheeran breaks silence on Gaza
At his Philadelphia concert Saturday, Ed Sheeran called the Gaza situation catastrophic and unjustifiable, while saying the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel were horrific.
“catastrophic and unjustifiable”
Macklemore dropped after pro-Palestinian remarks
Rapper Macklemore, Sheeran's original U.S. opener, was removed from the tour after saying Free Palestine during a September 5 show in New Jersey, reportedly at the urging of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“Free Palestine”
Supporting acts withdraw in solidarity
Within hours of Sheeran's statement about the decision, his supporting acts Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Finneas all backed out of the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Sheeran says he's not an activist musician
Sheeran told the Philadelphia crowd he wants his music to be about unity and humanity, not politics, and that he never wanted to be an activist musician but this situation forced him into the debate.
“I've never wanted to be an activist musician”
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside
A small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators congregated outside Lincoln Financial Field before the show, with some former fans like Hillary Steinberg disappointed that Sheeran didn't take a stronger stand.
Fans divided on politics at concerts
Attendee Diane Savitz said concerts should be for enjoying music and bringing people together, not for politics, while others like Steinberg argued all art is inherently political.
“A concert should be for people enjoying the music”
Macklemore pledges $1 million to Palestinians
Macklemore announced he is donating $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and called on Robert Kraft to match it. Kraft's spokesperson said Kraft and Sheeran have each agreed to donate $2 million but haven't specified where the money will go.
Experts say artists have final say
While promoters and venues wield significant power over tours, experts say an artist of Sheeran's magnitude generally has the final say about what happens at their shows.
The headline
Sheeran called Gaza's situation catastrophic and unjustifiable but insisted he doesn't want to be an activist musician, leaving fans and critics divided on whether neutrality itself is a political choice.
