Ed Sheeran opened the concert with an apology after a difficult week, drawing a distinction between familiar criticism of the music and a dispute involving far more consequential questions. Difficult decisions had been necessary, and mistakes were being made. “I'm so, so sorry,” the performer told the audience.
The musician had never wanted to become an activist or disappoint fans, but now felt caught in a passionate argument about freedom of speech and Israel and Palestine. Concerts had always been intended as a safe space for everyone. Honouring commitments to fans mattered just as deeply, and was the reason for appearing alone that evening and continuing the current tour.
That commitment came with a warning about artistic freedom. “I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content of performers.” Ed Sheeran said this happened in many places where they performed around the world, but insisted it “should never happen in the free world.”
Addressing whether the decision to perform that evening implied a position on Israel and Palestine, Ed Sheeran described a longstanding reluctance to act as a political commentator. The aim had been to make music and shows about unity rather than division, humanity rather than politics. “But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”
What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 was “horrific” and compounded centuries of Jewish pain, the musician said. What was happening in Gaza was “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.” The scale of devastation and the loss of civilian lives, particularly children’s lives, had been heartbreaking. Ed Sheeran also said the systemic injustice unfolding in the West Bank could not be overlooked.
The remarks ended with gratitude to the audience and a reaffirmation that everyone remained welcome. People could stand beside others whose views they opposed, without agreeing on everything, and still find something to share in the music. “They can all agree on singing these songs. And these songs are about love, hope, and unity.”