Ed Sheeran’s scheduled performances at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been called off due to severe weather forecasts, marking another setback for a tour that has faced controversy following rapper Macklemore’s removal over pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
Earlier this month, Macklemore was axed from the U.S. leg of the tour after pressure from stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, who threatened to cancel Sheeran’s shows if the rapper remained on the lineup. This led to a chain reaction as other openers withdrew in solidarity.
Now, due to impending storm conditions with wind gusts of up to 64 kilometers per hour expected in Foxborough, where Gillette Stadium is situated, Sheeran’s concerts on Friday and Saturday have been canceled. Messina Touring, Sheeran’s tour group, announced the decision after consulting with local authorities.
Ticket refunds will be processed through the original point of purchase. The cancellation coincides with Macklemore’s launch of a new tour supporting Palestinians and criticizing the influence of the “billionaire class” on stage presentations.
Prior to the cancellation, Macklemore had performed at two shows in September at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium before being ousted. The decision to remove him was influenced by Kraft and other stakeholders, with Sheeran emphasizing that the call was made by venues and promoters.
Despite the controversy, Sheeran expressed his dismay over the conflict but defended his choice to remain neutral on the matter. The tour experienced additional fallout as other acts, including Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Finneas, withdrew in response to Macklemore’s removal.
The cancellation of the Massachusetts shows follows Sheeran’s first performance without supporting acts in Philadelphia, where he addressed the audience about the ongoing situation in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the venue criticized Sheeran for not taking a more political stance, leading to a decline in ticket prices.
Consumers seeking refunds due to lineup changes were assured by the state’s attorney general that they would be accommodated. Ticketmaster adjusted its policy to allow refunds for the affected shows following intervention from the attorney general’s office.
In the midst of these developments, culture critic David Dennis Jr. analyzed Sheeran’s handling of the controversy during a recent broadcast.