Ed Sheeran's concert Saturday drew heightened attention after a week of statements and fallout following Macklemore's dismissal. Our report.

The concert at Lincoln Financial Field is now scheduled for 8 p.m., moved back from the previously advertised 5:30 p.m. start after the remaining opening acts withdrew from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. Local station 6abc also reported that the show would proceed without support acts.

This weekend, British pop star Ed Sheeran resumed his concert tour in Philadelphia, with no openers, amid a world of controversy. Jared Ochacher reports from outside Lincoln Financial Field.

Here's what led to the controversy surrounding singer Ed Sheeran's tour and all the twists since rapper Macklemore was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments.

The singer-songwriter began his Philadelphia show on Saturday night by apologizing for “mistakes” and saying he felt compelled to speak out about the “humanitarian issue.”

Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia on Saturday apologizing to fans for "making mistakes" after his tour was thrust into controversy earlier this week and saying the situation in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable."

Some Ed Sheeran fans say they are excited to enjoy music and are not there for politics after Macklemore was dropped from the tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.

On September 19, 2026, Ed Sheeran performed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, his first Loop Tour date after Macklemore was removed and the remaining opening acts withdrew.