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By Anna Skinner
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Ed Sheeran has canceled his upcoming shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, this weekend.
The concerts were set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night at the outdoor, open-air venue. The sudden change in Sheeran's schedule was caused by a nor'easter bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Northeast this weekend. The cancellation follows the controversy in which rapper Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's "Loop Tour" following his remarks about the war in Gaza.
"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 posted on Instagram on Friday morning. "The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as a top priority."
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Sheeran has not posted about the canceled shows on his Instagram as of 1:27 p.m. Eastern time on Friday afternoon.
Ed Sheeran Cancels Gillette Stadium Shows Due to Weather: What to Know
The cancellation comes as meteorologists have warned of an incoming nor’easter that will bring significant impacts across the Northeast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
As of Friday afternoon, numerous weather alerts and warnings remain in place, encompassing eastern Massachusetts and extending well into surrounding states. In Massachusetts, the NWS office for Boston has issued a high wind warning, storm warning, coastal flood warning and high surf advisory among numerous other alerts.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” NWS Boston said in the high wind warning. “Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Many of the weather alerts remain active through at least Saturday night, with some extending into Sunday morning.
How to Get a Refund for Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium Shows Near Boston
Tour promoter Messina Touring said any tickets purchased through Ticketmaster would be automatically refunded. Outside of Ticketmaster, refunds are currently available at the point of purchase.
Earlier this week, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced that Ticketmaster agreed to allowing refunds for the shows after consumers expressed that they were struggling to obtain the refunds since the opening acts for Sheeran's tour dropped out from the tour following the controversy involving Macklemore.
“After hearing from nearly 200 consumers who were struggling to obtain refunds from Ticketmaster for Ed Sheeran’s shows at Gillette Stadium this weekend, my office jumped into action to demand that consumers be provided a clear path to get their money back if they no longer want to attend due to significant changes to the lineup,” Campbell said in a press release earlier this week. “I encourage anyone who wants a refund to act quickly and submit their request at least 24 hours before showtime.”
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What to Know About Ed Sheeran's Recent Fallout With Macklemore
Macklemore, 43, was scheduled to open 10 shows on the American leg of Sheeran's tour. He performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5 before reports emerged that he would no longer perform at the remaining eight dates after he made pro-Palestinian remarks at one of the shows.
During the show, Macklemore said "Free Palestine" and showed images from Gaza while playing his 2024 protest song, "Hind's Hall," about pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at Columbia University.
Sheeran said venues involved in his other shows said they would cancel them if Macklemore remained as an opening act, which led to the rapper being dropped from the tour. After Macklemore was dropped, all other opening acts also left out of solidarity.
Gillette Stadium is owned by Robert Kraft, who is also the owner of the New England Patriots and has become one of the country's most prominent advocates against antisemitism through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. Kraft, who is Jewish, was among the several venue owners who objected to Macklemore remaining on the tour following the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks.
On September 15, Sheeran spoke out about the decision to drop Macklemore and shared a lengthy statement on Instagram.
"I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," the post said in part. "The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated."
Macklemore has since launched a "Free Palestine" tour, with three European shows set for October and U.S. performances expected to occur later.
The rapper also said he would give $1 million to six organizations “working directly to support the Palestinian people.” Kraft later announced a separate $2 million commitment, matching Sheeran's, which he described more broadly as aid “in the region.”
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Macklemore Launches ‘Free Palestine’ Tour: Full List of Shows and Dates
Ed Sheeran Makes Recent Speech on Gaza, Israel Following Macklemore Fallout
Sheeran faced widespread criticism after Macklemore was dropped, and he addressed the situation in Philadelphia during a concert last weekend.
"I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so, so sorry," he told concertgoers.
He added that he never wanted to become an activist musician, and that his fans were his priority as he continued with the tour despite losing his support acts.
"I honestly am so grateful that you're here tonight with me. This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome," he said.
Ticket resale prices for Sheeran's remaining shows have plummeted following the backlash.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Samantha Beech and Anthony Murray.
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