Ed Sheeran’s concerts scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been called off due to severe weather alerts, marking another setback for a tour that has faced its share of controversies following the removal of Macklemore for making pro-Palestinian remarks while on stage.
Earlier in the month, Macklemore was axed from the U.S. leg of the tour after stadium owners, including billionaire Robert Kraft, issued a warning to cancel Sheeran’s shows if the rapper remained on the lineup. This action triggered a series of withdrawals from Sheeran’s other opening acts in solidarity with Macklemore.
The decision to cancel Sheeran’s performances at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium on Friday and Saturday was influenced by local weather forecasts predicting a storm with wind gusts reaching up to 64 kilometers per hour in Foxborough, the location of the stadium near Boston.
Messina Touring, Sheeran’s touring group, announced the cancellation in an Instagram statement, emphasizing the consultation with local officials and the challenging weather conditions in Boston and New England over the weekend. The venue echoed the same sentiment, confirming that all ticket refunds will be processed through the original point of purchase.
Following the cancellation, Macklemore revealed plans for a new tour supporting Palestinians and criticized the influence of the “billionaire class” in determining permissible voices on stage. He highlighted the importance of addressing political issues during critical times.
Before his removal, Macklemore had performed at two shows in early September at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium as part of Sheeran’s Loop Tour, where he expressed solidarity with Palestinians, leading to his subsequent expulsion from the lineup.
Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by venues and promoters and stated that there would be no reversal of the choice. He expressed dismay over the conflict but defended his decision to remain apolitical on the matter.
The cancellation of the shows in Massachusetts came after the state’s attorney general assured consumers seeking refunds due to lineup changes that they would be accommodated. Ticketmaster made an exception for the affected shows following the intervention of the attorney general’s office.
Despite the challenges faced by the tour, Sheeran remains focused on his music and performances, aiming to navigate the controversies surrounding the tour with integrity and respect for diverse perspectives.