Ed Sheeran’s upcoming Philadelphia concert is facing renewed attention over ticket demand following the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour. The September 19 show at Lincoln Financial Field is Sheeran’s first concert since Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks.
According to TMZ, dozens of resale tickets were still listed on StubHub, with prices ranging from $56 to $251 shortly before the concert. However, available resale tickets do not by themselves establish how many seats remain unsold or whether the venue will be full.
Macklemore Controversy Has Reshaped The Tour
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour after his September 4 appearance at MetLife Stadium, where he voiced support for Palestine. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venue owners had refused to host Macklemore, while the rapper claimed pressure from influential figures played a role.
Sheeran subsequently said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his, explaining that the promoter made the call. The controversy nevertheless intensified after several other performers associated with the tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
The fallout has also affected the resale market. TMZ previously reported that the lowest resale price for the Philadelphia show dropped from $126 to $96, representing a 24% decline. TicketData noted that some price reduction is normal before concerts, although the Philadelphia decline was stronger than usual.
The Philadelphia concert is also expected to look significantly different from earlier dates on the tour. Sheeran’s opening acts have departed following the controversy, while his team has been preparing for the possibility that he could perform without his regular backup band.
TMZ reported that Sheeran is prepared to take the stage alone if necessary, something he has experience doing at large venues with just his guitar.
Security is another major consideration for the show. Philadelphia police have confirmed that officers have been communicating with Sheeran’s team and that a “sizable” police presence is expected around Lincoln Financial Field.
The concert is also expected to draw protesters, with pro-Palestinian groups announcing plans to demonstrate outside the venue over Macklemore’s removal.
As Sheeran prepares to return to the stage, the Philadelphia show will provide an early indication of how the controversy has affected the atmosphere surrounding the remainder of his U.S. tour.