Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera, but the concert is set to proceed despite several opening acts withdrawing from the tour in solidarity with Palestinian advocacy efforts. Palestinian groups argue that Sheeran is complicit in an effort to stifle criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Opening Acts Withdraw Amid Calls for Boycott

Finneas, the brother and collaborator of Billie Eilish, was originally set to perform with Sheeran in several cities but dropped out earlier this week. According to Al Jazeera, Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also announced they would not perform at various points on Sheeran’s global tour. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has called for a boycott of the entire tour, extending the call to include the as-yet-unannounced European leg.

Artistic Support for Palestine Grows

Artists in Gaza painted a mural of rapper Macklemore in the rubble of Gaza City to show their support for the pro-Palestinian cause; the mural, which features Macklemore in a Palestinian flag, was created by Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo. Redwan, 26, explained to Reuters that they wanted to send a message of gratitude to Macklemore for using his voice for Palestine — a pro-Palestinian rally is also scheduled near the concert venue before Saturday’s show.

Sheeran Amidst Broader Music Industry News

While Sheeran’s performance draws attention to ongoing political tensions, the music industry is also focused on the MTV VMAs 2025, According to Infobae and Billboard, the event took place on September 7 at the UBS Arena in New York. Lady Gaga led the night with 12 nominations and won four awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. Ariana Grande also took home three awards, including Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead.”

Sabrina Carpenter and Rosé each won three awards, with Carpenter taking home Best Pop and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Shakira won Best Latin for “Soltera,” and LISA from BLACKPINK received the Best K-pop award for “Born Again” with Doja Cat. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey and Ricky Martin received non-competitive honors, and Busta Rhymes was recognized with the Rock the Bells Forward-looking Award.