# Macklemore's removal sparks ticket surge

> After being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestine comments, Macklemore's solo concert tickets jumped 45% in three days.
- Title: Macklemore's removal sparks ticket surge · CNBC | Shortify
- Summary: After being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestine comments, Macklemore's solo concert tickets jumped 45% in three days. Controversy can drive…
- Keywords: macklemore, ed sheeran, concert tickets, pro-palestine comments, tour removal, red rocks, ticket prices, secondary market, loop tour, metlife stadium, business, finance
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/18/macklemore-ticket-prices-rise-amid-ed-sheeran-tour-fallout.html
- Author: Catriona Marangi
- Published: 2026-09-18T15:33:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: macklemore, ed sheeran, concert tickets, pro-palestine comments, tour removal, red rocks, ticket prices, secondary market, loop tour, metlife stadium, business, finance
## Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after making pro-Palestine comments during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
## Ticket prices surge 45% in three days
Macklemore's October Red Rocks concert saw its cheapest available ticket jump from $108 to $157 on the secondary market, a spike unlikely without this week's events.

> That's a surge we can say with confidence would not have happened absent this week's events.
## Other tour acts leave in solidarity
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham all announced they would exit the tour after Macklemore's removal. It's unclear who will replace them.
## Sheeran's ticket prices dip slightly
Secondary market prices for Sheeran's remaining concerts dropped at nine of ten venues, though experts say price declines near show dates are typical.
## Sheeran defends staying silent
Sheeran said he doesn't use his professional platform for politics because his audience includes children of all backgrounds who don't expect a political forum.

> I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won't ever change.
## Macklemore pledges $1 million to aid
The rapper announced he will donate his entire $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations.
## Key takeaway

Controversy can drive unexpected demand: Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour caused his own ticket prices to spike while other performers left in solidarity.