Ed Sheeran Concerts Canceled in Massachusetts Due to Severe Weather

Severe weather warnings forced the cancellation of Ed Sheeran's two scheduled concerts on Friday and Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The 64,628-seat venue was scheduled to host Loop tour dates. Tour promoter Messina Touring announced the decision on Friday. "Due to the severe weather warnings in place in Boston and across New England throughout the weekend and following consultation with local officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium." The promoter emphasized that fan and staff safety guided the move.

The cancellations follow weeks of tension surrounding the tour. Stadium owner Robert Kraft pushed for the removal of opening act Macklemore after the rapper called for a free Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The comments drew sharp criticism from pro-Israel groups, prompting Kraft to pressure Sheeran to drop the supporting artist. Sheeran pushed back against the criticism, clarifying that the lineup change was not his choice. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me." Sheeran added that he would never abandon the touring crew and other musicians who depend on the dates for their livelihood. The broader conflict in Gaza has displaced 2 million survivors and killed an estimated 74,000 Palestinians since 2023, a point Macklemore has repeatedly highlighted.

The dispute quickly spilled over as several supporting artists pulled out. Four openers and Sheeran's live band withdrew from the tour's remaining 10 North American dates in solidarity with Macklemore. Irish band members and scheduled performer Aaron Rowe cited opposition to billionaire influence over artistic expression. American singer Finneas and Danish band Lukas Graham also announced their departures, emphasizing that financial backing should not dictate which voices get heard or which humanitarian crises receive attention.

Macklemore has since pledged to donate his $1m salary from the tour to organizations providing relief efforts across Gaza. He invited Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft responded that Sheeran had asked him to commit $2m to match the donation for regional aid. Macklemore is now organizing a separate three-date tour across Dublin, Paris, and London next month. All proceeds from the new dates will support organizations backing Palestine and the Palestinian movement.