Ed Sheeran featured Isaac Slade, lead singer of The Fray, as a surprise guest during his concert on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Slade performed a shortened set that included the band’s popular songs “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me” prior to Sheeran’s headlining performance at 8 p.m.

Slade addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza during his onstage remarks, emphasizing the need for understanding and common ground. “Everybody seems to be taking sides in this world and that’s good,” he said, reflecting on the divisiveness surrounding the issue. He acknowledged that the situation in Gaza is “wrong,” but urged for a middle ground that recognizes the complexities of peace. According to video clips shared on social media, Slade described peace as more than the absence of conflict or a “blank canvas” to be guarded, but rather a balance that encompasses “beauty, tragedy, sorrow, joy and life.”

The surprise appearance by Slade came several weeks after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour following controversial comments about Israel, which also led to his opening acts withdrawing. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium had hinted at a special guest in an Instagram post earlier on the day of the concert, noting an appearance before Sheeran’s scheduled 8 p.m. set.

The addition of Slade brought a different tone to the Atlanta show amid the heightened sensitivities surrounding the tour’s lineup and recent political controversies.