Ed Sheeran resumed his 'Loop' tour in Philadelphia on 19 September following a turbulent week in which support act Macklemore was dropped over pro-Palestine remarks, prompting all remaining support acts and his backing band to withdraw. Citing security concerns, Sheeran removed the B-stage—a platform that typically allows him to perform in the crowd—saying he feared objects might be thrown or that audiences could be hostile. The decision underscored the tension surrounding the controversy and the uncertainty about how audiences would receive him.

During the show, Sheeran addressed the controversy at length, acknowledging he had made "mistakes" and admitting he had questioned whether to continue his music career. He discussed his reluctance to become "an activist musician" whilst expressing deep concern about venues pre-approving performer content, and he articulated his position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, describing the Hamas attack on the Nova festival as "horrific" whilst characterising events in Gaza as "catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate." Visibly emotional, Sheeran described the preceding week as one of the worst of his life, yet also stated the Philadelphia performance was the best show of his career.