Ed Sheeran’s performances at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been called off due to severe weather alerts, adding to the challenges faced by his tour following the removal of Macklemore for making pro-Palestinian statements during a show.
Macklemore was ousted from the U.S. leg of the tour after threats from stadium owners, including billionaire Robert Kraft, to cancel Sheeran’s gigs if the rapper continued on the lineup, prompting other opening acts to withdraw in solidarity.
The concerts set for Friday and Saturday at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium have been axed as weather reports predict strong winds up to 64 kilometers per hour in Foxborough, the stadium’s location near Boston.
Messina Touring, Sheeran’s tour management team, announced the cancellations citing the severe weather conditions in the region and consultations with local authorities. Ticket refunds will be processed through the original purchase channels.
Meanwhile, Macklemore announced a new tour supporting Palestinians after his removal, criticizing the influence of the “billionaire class” in determining who gets a platform, hinting at the freedom he gained from being dropped.
An independent UN commission and Amnesty International have labeled Israel’s actions towards Palestinians in Gaza as genocide, a claim denied by the country.
Macklemore had performed two shows in September before being dropped, where he voiced support for Palestinians, leading to a clash with Kraft and Sheeran over his removal.
Sheeran clarified that the decision was solely made by venues and promoters and stood by it despite the controversy. The cancellation of the shows in Massachusetts came after a series of lineup changes and criticisms surrounding the tour.
Fans seeking refunds for the canceled shows were assured by the state’s attorney general that they would be accommodated, following concerns raised about the lineup alterations affecting ticket holders. Ticketmaster adjusted its policy to allow refunds for the affected dates at Gillette Stadium.
The tour’s trajectory has been marked by political statements and controversies, with Sheeran navigating a delicate balance between his music and social issues amid the evolving landscape of public perception and expectations.