Ed Sheeran’s scheduled performances at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, have been canceled following severe weather warnings across the Boston and New England area. Tour promoter Messina Touring announced the decision, stating that safety considerations for fans, staff, and personnel involved in the shows were paramount in the determination to call off the Friday and Saturday dates, which were part of Sheeran’s Loop tour.
The cancellations occur amid weeks of controversy surrounding the tour. The situation began when rapper Macklemore, who was performing as an opening act, made statements supporting Palestinian rights at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. His remarks prompted responses from pro-Israel organizations, which characterized the comments as unexpected political messaging. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, subsequently pressured for Macklemore’s removal from the tour lineup.
Following Macklemore’s departure, significant developments unfolded involving other tour personnel. Sheeran released a statement clarifying that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his tour promoter rather than himself, and that he would not abandon his touring crew and supporting musicians. However, multiple supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, including the backing band Beoga, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, American artist Finneas, and Danish band Lukas Graham. Each provided statements expressing their positions on the matter.
Macklemore announced plans to donate his $1 million salary from the tour to organizations focused on humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. Kraft subsequently stated that Sheeran had requested he commit $2 million to match this contribution for aid in the region. Macklemore has also announced a separate tour with three dates scheduled in Dublin, Paris, and London, with proceeds directed to organizations supporting Palestinian causes.
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