Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation ‘catastrophic and unjustifiable’ amid Macklemore row

Philadelphia (United States): Singer Ed Sheeran addressed the Gaza conflict during his first concert since rapper Macklemore was removed from his US tour, saying he could no longer ‘hide’ how he feels about the situation.

Opening his concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran said he had tried to keep politics out of his music but described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable”.

“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran said.

He added that his concerts have always been intended as a “safe space for everyone” and that continuing the tour was part of his commitment to his fans.

He said he had tried throughout his career not to be a political commentator because he wanted his music and shows to focus on unity rather than division.

“But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,” he said.

Sheeran described the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel as horrific and said the scale of civilian deaths and destruction in Gaza could not be overlooked. He also referred to what he described as systemic injustice in the West Bank.

The singer said he was speaking to people with different perspectives and learning about ways to contribute to relief efforts.
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Macklemore controversy

Sheeran's comments came amid a controversy over Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour. The rapper was dropped from the remaining US dates after saying “Free Palestine” during a performance in New Jersey.

The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues had indicated they would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore to proceed. Sheeran has maintained that the decision was made by the promoter and venues, rather than by him.

Sheeran had earlier said he was “deeply worried” about the idea of venues pre-approving the content of performances.

Other artists withdraw from tour

The controversy prompted several artists associated with Sheeran’s tour to withdraw.

Danish band Lukas Graham and singer Aaron Rowe pulled out of upcoming North American dates, while Finneas withdrew from the South American leg. Irish folk group Beoga, longtime collaborators with Sheeran, also left the tour.

The artists cited Macklemore’s removal and the surrounding controversy in announcing their decisions.
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Philadelphia concert goes ahead

Sheeran performed in Philadelphia on Saturday without an opening act and later brought musicians onto the stage.

He told the audience that the previous week had been difficult and acknowledged that he had faced challenging decisions.

Outside Lincoln Financial Field, a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered before the concert. Despite the controversy and calls for a boycott, the show went ahead before a near-capacity crowd.

Macklemore has separately pledged $1 million to Palestinian relief organisations following his removal from the tour.

(With agency inputs)