Ed Sheeran has explained that he felt compelled to adjust the layout of the stage at his latest concert due to safety concerns.
His plan originally included a B stage—a smaller, secondary platform positioned away from the main performance area for large shows. Yet he chose not to proceed with it.
“I didn’t know what this audience would be like tonight,” he admitted.
“I didn’t know if I would have things thrown at me. I didn’t know if people would be angry at me.
“So I apologise that today is not the usual Loop show. I took the B stage out because I was afraid of what might happen if I stood in the middle. And I’ll admit that.”
Throughout the night, the Shape of You singer also confessed that the controversy surrounding his tour has cost him friends and family.
The performer was brought to tears and sat cross‑legged onstage at one point, as he addressed Macklemore being removed from the Loop Tour over his ‘Free Palestine’ comments and the rest of his opening acts quitting in a show of solidarity.
“In these situations you really find out who your friends are. It’s been a weird week,” he told the crowd in a video captured by a fan at the Philadelphia show.
“It happened very quickly. At the same time, I had so many people telling me to cancel this tour and so many people I’ve known for years and years and years they’re kind of backing away.”
Sheeran also revealed that people had urged him to cancel the show.
“Everyone’s telling me to cancel and I’m feeling all of my friends and family and people I know abandon me.”
But ultimately, Sheeran said he was there for his fans.
“I see 50,000 people who haven’t abandoned me,” the Thinking Out Loud hitmaker continued.
“People will say what they want, but I am doing this for you. I love you. I love this.”
