In his return to the stage on Saturday, Ed Sheeran addressed his stance on the ‘catastrophic’ Gaza conflict and why he chose not to cancel his ‘Loop’ tour amid ongoing controversy.

Ed Sheeran's concert Saturday drew heightened attention after a week of statements and fallout following Macklemore's dismissal. Our report.

The concert at Lincoln Financial Field is now scheduled for 8 p.m., moved back from the previously advertised 5:30 p.m. start after the remaining opening acts withdrew from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. Local station 6abc also reported that the show would proceed without support acts.

Large crowds are expected to protest at Gillette Stadium this week for Ed Sheeran following Macklemore’s exit. Protestors showed up to Sheeran’s Philly show over the weekend, and a larger protest is reportedly set for this weekend outside one of Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough this week,

Some Ed Sheeran fans say they are excited to enjoy music and are not there for politics after Macklemore was dropped from the tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.

Palestine protest, the pop singer returns to the stage in Philadelphia.

Ed Sheeran opened a solo concert Saturday with comments about Gaza after controversy swirled around his tour and supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.

Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia on Saturday apologizing to fans for "making mistakes" after his tour was thrust into controversy earlier this week and saying the situation in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday — possibly solo — after all his supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.