Ed Sheeran is prepared to perform Saturday night’s concert in Philadelphia alone if necessary, after Macklemore, the other opening acts and Sheeran’s backing band withdrew from the show.
Music industry sources familiar with the arrangements said plans for the concert had been changing hour by hour as organisers worked through the logistics. However, there was no concern about Sheeran taking the stage by himself.
The singer has previously performed in large venues with little more than a guitar, carrying two-hour stadium shows without a backing band. As the headliner and the tour’s main ticket seller, he is considered better placed than most artists to continue without additional performers.
That means the Philadelphia concert could still proceed with Sheeran performing a solo set lasting up to two hours, should no alternative arrangements be made.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after remarks supporting Palestine prompted a backlash. The dispute was followed by withdrawals from opening act Aaron Rowe, Finneas and Sheeran’s band Beoga, who voiced support for Palestinians.
Macklemore later said he would donate the one million dollars he earned from Sheeran’s “Loop” Tour to Palestinian relief organisations. He also challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the donation, with Kraft pledging two million dollars.
Macklemore has alleged that pressure from NFL team owners, including Kraft, led to his removal. The owners operate the stadiums where Sheeran is due to perform, including the Philadelphia venue.
Sheeran has said his hands were tied.
