Ed Sheeran’s upcoming shows at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been cancelled over weather concerns.
“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,” Messina Touring wrote via Instagram on Friday, September 25. “The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority.”
For those who had tickets to the two shows this weekend, refunds are available now at the point of purchase. Ticket holders who purchased through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.
Sheeran’s remaining shows as part of the Loop Tour, including stops in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and Florida, remain scheduled as planned.
Sheeran’s tour has made several headlines ever since his former opening act Macklemore was dropped after he chanted “Free Palestine” and denounced genocide in all forms before performing his protest track “Hind’s Hall.”
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” Sheeran, 35, claimed via Instagram on September 15. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.”
The Grammy winner continued, “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.”
After Macklemore, 43, was dropped from the Loop Tour, several opening acts also decided to opt out of upcoming shows in an act of solidarity.
Macklemore later announced his own Free Palestine Tour and expressed no regrets over his words at Sheeran’s shows.
“I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say,” Macklemore shared via Instagram on September 14. “Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
Robert Kraft — whose holding company, The Kraft Group, owns Gillette Stadium — previously said he was donating $2 million to match Sheeran’s donation and “aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.”
“I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people,” he said in a statement on September 16. “I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.”
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