Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium concerts delayed due to approaching nor'easter

Stage construction for Ed Sheeran's concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was paused on Thursday evening after crews were ordered to stop work amid an approaching nor'easter that is expected to bring heavy wind and several inches of rain starting Friday night. The weather poses safety concerns for both fans in the open-air venue and the temporary stage structure.

Sources said the stage was partially assembled on Thursday morning, but higher-level managers were deciding whether to dismantle it. Lighting tests were still underway late Thursday in case the Friday performance proceeds.

No definitive decision has been announced, and it remains unclear whether the shows would be rescheduled if cancelled. Ticket holders have begun requesting refunds, prompting Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell to intervene and request that Ticketmaster process the refunds.

Separately, the Massachusetts Peace Action group announced plans to protest the second night of the run. Earlier in the tour, Ed Sheeran performed solo in Philadelphia after his opening act withdrew in response to controversy surrounding Macklemore's remarks about the Israel-Palestine conflict.