Macklemore Backlash Drives Ed Sheeran Ticket Prices Down
Resale prices for Macklemore's October 22 Red Rocks concert rose 35–45% in days after his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Sheeran's remaining tour dates saw resale prices drop at nine of ten venues over the same period.
- 45% price drop at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field show, to $75, as of Friday midday.
- Macklemore announced he will donate $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations.
- Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga all withdrew from the tour after Macklemore's removal.
- Classic Hits Radio in Ireland stopped playing Sheeran's music for the 'foreseeable future.'
Why it matters: The dispute began September 4–5 when Macklemore performed his song Hind's Hall and spoke in support of Palestinians at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Israeli American Council published a petition calling for his removal days later.
- Promoters and venue owners — including Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium — told tour organizers they would not allow shows to proceed with Macklemore on the bill.
- Sheeran said the removal was the promoters' decision, not his, and cited his policy of keeping politics off his professional platform.
How 28 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether Sheeran bears personal responsibility for Macklemore's removal or was constrained by venue owners and promoters acting independently.
Center coverage, 14 sources: The center focuses on market data — rising Macklemore prices, falling Sheeran prices, increased resale volume — and notes the data's limits in separating controversy from routine trends.
CNBC22hTicket prices rise for Macklemore solo concert after Ed Sheeran tour removalCNCTV News28mEd Sheeran returns to stage after Palestinian controversy
Newsweek2hEd Sheeran concert time changed as ticket prices plunge, protests planned
TMZ57mEd Sheeran's Saturday Concert in Phily: Dozens of Tickets Still Availableabcabc27 (WHTM)15hEd Sheeran tour kicks off in Philadelphia with openers unknown
Associated Press56mSheeran returns to stage first time since Macklemore cut...
Axios1dEd Sheeran tour drama comes to Philly this weekend
Billboard8hFormer Ed Sheeran Opener Aaron Rowe Defends Singer Amid Macklemore Tour Fallout
Deutsche Welle5hEd Sheeran continues US tour amid Palestinian controversy
Forbes17hEd Sheeran Philadelphia Tickets Slashed By Nearly 50% Following Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ Controversy
Jerusalem Post2h'I say free Palestine to my children,' Paloma Faith clashes with Ed Sheeran over Macklemore falloutSnoSnopes18hDid Spotify remove Ed Sheeran's music from its platform?Left coverage, 8 sources: The left frames Sheeran as complicit in silencing pro-Palestinian speech and focuses on the protests and solidarity withdrawals as legitimate accountability pressure.
The Independent2hFor Palestinian aid groups, Macklemore's $1M pledge brings relief and attention to ongoing suffering
Rolling Stone14hDropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey Says Ed Sheeran ‘Took the Knee’ With Macklemore: ‘Doesn’t Sit Right With Me’
The Guardian5hEd Sheeran thought fans didn’t want artists to be politically engaged. He’s finding out how wrong he was | Jason Okundaye
CNN2hEd Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Los Angeles Times4hEfforts to silence 'NAZA' filmmakers, Macklemore only amplifies themTAPThe American Prospect4hMacklemore vs. Everybody - The American ProspectTBGThe Boston Globe9hEd Sheeran set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cutTPIThe Philadelphia Inquirer21hHere’s what we know about Ed Sheeran’s tour stop at the Linc: Planned protests, late start, no openers announcedRight coverage, 6 sources: The right emphasizes the financial damage to Sheeran's tour and highlights Macklemore's remarks about ICE alongside his Gaza comments, framing the controversy as a cautionary tale about politicized concert performances.
The Western Journal1dIrish Radio Station Bans Ed Sheeran's Music After Anti-Israel Rapper Is Removed from US Tour
Daily Mail11hEd Sheeran makes MAJOR concert change after openers dropped out of his tour amid Macklemore drama
Fox News15hTaylor Swift quiet as friend Ed Sheeran takes heat over Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' concert fiasco
New York Post8hEd Sheeran set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut, other acts withdrew
The Sun18hHow Ed Sheeran’s carefully crafted world is in crisis after Palestine row & why trouble at next gig could bring it down
The Washington Times10hEd Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrewWhat’s next: Pro-Palestinian groups the Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z plan protests at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19.
- Philadelphia police confirmed increased patrols and coordination with Sheeran's team around the venue.
- 18 remaining tour dates are scheduled through December, ending in Mexico City.
- Will Sheeran cancel or continue the remaining U.S. dates after the Philadelphia show?
- How much of the ticket price movement reflects the controversy versus standard pre-show market patterns?
- Who, if anyone, will replace the withdrawn supporting acts for the remaining dates?