# Pro-Palestinian protest planned for Ed Sheeran's Philly show

> Two activist groups will demonstrate at Lincoln Financial Field after Macklemore's removal from the tour sparked controversy.
- Title: Pro-Palestinian protest planned for Ed Sheeran's Philly show
- Summary: Two activist groups will demonstrate at Lincoln Financial Field after Macklemore's removal from the tour sparked controversy. Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, philadelphia, lincoln financial field, pro-palestinian protest, philly palestine coalition, shut down d&z, gaza, israel, loop tour, concert protest, news
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/ed-sheeran-philly-concert-palestinian-protest
- Published: 2026-09-17T20:17:02.389+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, philadelphia, lincoln financial field, pro-palestinian protest, philly palestine coalition, shut down d&z, gaza, israel, loop tour, concert protest, news
## Sheeran's Philly show faces protest
Pro-Palestinian groups Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z plan to demonstrate at NRG Station at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, an hour before Ed Sheeran performs at Lincoln Financial Field.
## Macklemore dropped over Gaza remarks
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's Loop Tour after making on-stage comments about Gaza during a September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he repeatedly said "free Palestine."

> free Palestine
## Kraft allegedly pressured Sheeran
Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, gave Sheeran an ultimatum to remove him from the September 25 show or lose the date entirely.
## Macklemore's message to Jewish fans
At the New Jersey show, Macklemore addressed Jewish people in the crowd, saying "criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you."

> criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.
## Opening acts cancel in solidarity
Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham, Sheeran's two remaining openers for Philadelphia, both cancelled their appearances this week in support of Macklemore.
## Sheeran denies firing Macklemore
Sheeran claimed the removal was "the promoter's decision," not his own, distancing himself from the controversial move.

> the promoter's decision
## Kraft pledges 4 million donation
Robert Kraft announced he and Sheeran would donate 4 million dollars to aid the Gaza region, though he didn't specify which organizations would receive the funds.
## Macklemore's song references Columbia protests
Macklemore performed "Hind's Hall," a song referencing student protests at Columbia University against Israel's strikes in Gaza, during his New Jersey appearance.
## Saturday show proceeds without openers
Lincoln Financial Field has not announced replacement opening acts for Saturday's concert, with the venue's website listing only Sheeran for the show.
## Key takeaway

Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia concert Saturday will be met with pro-Palestinian protests following the removal of opening act Macklemore over his Gaza remarks.