Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium concerts cancelled amid nor'easter
Severe weather forced the cancellation of Ed Sheeran's weekend shows at Gillette Stadium, with refunds issued, as the tour also faces controversy over opening acts.
Ed Sheeran's performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts were called off after local officials warned of a powerful nor'easter moving across New England. Messina Touring, the artist's management company, announced on Instagram that the decision was made to protect fans, staff and all personnel involved, and that ticket holders will receive refunds, with Ticketmaster processing automatic reimbursements.
The cancellation occurs while the "Loop" tour is dealing with a broader dispute after opening act Macklemore was removed for expressing pro-Palestinian views, a move he said was influenced by Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kraft declined to comment, though he previously said his aim was to maintain a "welcoming environment" at the stadium. Following Macklemore's departure, other opening performers—including Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Finneas and the house band Beoga—pulled out in protest.
Sheeran, speaking at his first show after the controversy, said he does not consider himself an activist musician but acknowledged being placed in a heated debate over free speech and political issues. The nor'easter is expected to affect a swath of the East Coast, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and coastal flood alerts covering roughly 33 million people.
Other major events in the region were also cancelled due to the storm, including the Global Citizen Festival in New York City's Central Park and the All Things Go festival in Queens, both citing safety concerns.