Ed Sheeran responds to Macklemore backlash with major change to Philadelphia show

Ed Sheeran has made schedule changes to his upcoming Philadelphia concert in response to the fallout from Macklemore's removal from his LOOP Tour. 

The show, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at Lincoln Financial Field, will now begin at 8 p.m. — the time Sheeran's own set was originally set to start — rather than the previously scheduled 5:30 p.m. opening time. 

With no opening acts left to perform, the concert will now simply begin when Sheeran takes the stage. The rest of his tour dates still show the earlier 5:30 p.m. start time for now.

The change comes after Macklemore was dropped from the tour weeks ago after backlash over a pro-Palestine statement he made on stage. In solidarity, every remaining opening act pulled out of the tour as well, including Billie Eilish's brother Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga — leaving Sheeran without any support acts for this show. 

Sources told TMZ that his backing band has also stepped away from the Philadelphia performance, meaning Sheeran is expected to take the stage entirely solo. That's not unfamiliar territory for him, as he's performed stadium shows before using just his guitar, without a full band.

Security at the venue has also been increased ahead of the concert, with police confirming a larger presence will be on-site. 

Pro-Palestinian protests are expected to take place near the stadium during the event. A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department said officers are coordinating closely with Sheeran's team to ensure proper safety measures are in place.