What Is Happening in Gaza Is Devastating and Unjustifiable, Says Ed Sheeran, Tearful on Stage
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)
Published September 20, 2026 | 02:00 PM
Other artists withdrew from the tour after Macklemore was removed for supporting Palestine, prompting Ed Sheeran to break his silence during a Philadelphia concert and introduce a new band.
PHILADELPHIA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2026)
British singer Ed Sheeran has addressed the situation in Gaza, calling it devastating, unjustifiable, and disproportionate, becoming tearful while speaking to fans during his concert in the US city of Philadelphia.
This was Sheeran’s first show since the recent controversy surrounding his “Loop Tour.” The dispute began after American rapper Macklemore was dropped from the tour over statements supporting Palestine, leading several other artists to withdraw as well.
During his performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran stated that he usually doesn't start shows this way but felt compelled to speak about the events of the past week. He acknowledged making mistakes and expressed regret.
Regarding Gaza and Palestine, Sheeran stated it was a humanitarian issue and he could no longer remain silent about it. He described the incidents involving Israel and the Nova Music Festival on October 7 as horrific.
"What is happening in Gaza is devastating, unjustifiable and disproportionate." - Ed Sheeran
Sheeran expressed profound sorrow over the large number of civilians and children killed in Gaza, noting that the injustice occurring in the West Bank cannot be overlooked. He emphasized that he had never aspired to become an actively political singer and always strived to ensure his concerts were a safe space for everyone.
The Macklemore Controversy
The controversy began this month at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where Macklemore performed at an Ed Sheeran concert, chanted “Free Palestine” and played his song “Hind’s Hall.” The Israeli-American Council subsequently called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour. Macklemore later stated that stadium owners had informed the promoter he would not be permitted to perform again.
Sheeran explained on social media that the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was not his but that of the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group. Within a few hours of Macklemore’s departure, Finneas, Lukas Graham, Erin Ru, and Irish band Beoga also withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour.
Ed Sheeran forms new band
After losing his longtime collaborators, Sheeran reached out to his former collaborator and violinist Alicia Enstrom, who assembled a new group of musicians within just a few days. During the Philadelphia concert, Sheeran introduced his new band: Mike on drums, CJ on keyboards, Eric on bass, Clay on guitar, and himself on vocals.