Ed Sheeran's concerts at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been cancelled, with stadium staff citing an approaching nor'easter storm as the reason. The shows were scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday at the venue, home to Robert Kraft's New England Patriots.
The cancellation occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Sheeran's US tour. Earlier this month, rapper Macklemore stated he was removed as a support act following his pro-Palestine comments at a previous concert. Macklemore claimed that billionaire Kraft personally intervened to prevent him from performing.
Sheeran later clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter and stated he would not engage in a public debate about the Gaza war. The fallout continued with other opening acts withdrawing and protesters gathering outside his first solo concert last week.
During that show, Sheeran read a prepared statement, expressing regret for difficult decisions and mistakes, and acknowledging the horrific events in Israel on October 7, as well as the catastrophic and unjustifiable situation in Gaza. He also spoke about the systemic injustice in the West Bank.
The nor'easter storm is expected to bring heavy rain and hurricane-force winds to the East Coast, with forecasters warning of destructive coastal flooding and severe beach erosion, particularly along eastern Long Island and the Massachusetts coast. Urban areas like Boston may also experience flash flooding.