Weather Cancels Sheeran Concerts
Severe Weather Forces Ed Sheeran to Cancel Gillette Stadium Concerts Amid Tour Controversy
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Key Points
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The National Weather Service forecast included coastal flooding and wind gusts approaching 55 mph around Boston; the stadium is about 30 miles south of the city.
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Sheeran apologized to fans over the controversy, saying he had made mistakes and did not want to disappoint them. He said he had never wanted to be an activist musician but had been placed in the middle of an argument about free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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After being dropped from the tour, Macklemore pledged $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid and announced benefit shows in Dublin, Paris and London for late October.
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Massachusetts Peace Action said it would continue opposing antisemitism while challenging the conflation of antisemitism with criticism of Israel or advocacy for Palestinian rights, which it said are not the same thing.
Ed Sheeran's two concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, scheduled for September 25 and 26, have been canceled due to a nor'easter with forecasted heavy rain and winds approaching 55 mph, according to Yahoo Entertainment. The decision came as the storm threatened the Boston area, roughly 30 miles north of the stadium, raising serious safety concerns for attendees and staff.
The cancellations mark another disruption for Sheeran's Loop tour, which faced turmoil after The Los Angeles Times reported that rapper Macklemore was dropped from the bill following pro-Palestinian remarks at a New Jersey show. Ticket refunds are available through Ticketmaster, with automatic reimbursement for online purchases.
Nor'easter Forces Safety Decision
The National Weather Service issued warnings for the Massachusetts coast, predicting coastal flooding and wind gusts near 55 mph around Boston, Archy Netys reported. Stadium officials and promoters determined the severe weather posed an unacceptable risk to fans and staff. Gillette Stadium sits about 30 miles south of Boston, directly in the storm's projected path.
Macklemore's Removal Sparked Tour Chaos
Macklemore was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian statements during a New Jersey performance, according to Yahoo Entertainment. Stadium owner Robert Kraft reportedly objected to the rapper remaining on the bill, though weather—not the controversy—led to the Gillette cancellations. The dispute also prompted other supporting performers to withdraw.
In response, Macklemore pledged $1 million from his tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations. He also announced three benefit concerts scheduled for late October in Dublin, Paris, and London to continue supporting the cause.
Sheeran Apologizes Over Activist Role
Sheeran apologized to fans, saying he made mistakes and never wanted to let them down. He told fans he had never wanted to be an activist musician but found himself caught in the middle of debates over free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Protest Plans Shelved as Concerts Vanish
Massachusetts Peace Action canceled a planned demonstration at the stadium after learning the concerts—and the expected crowds—would not happen. The group said it would continue opposing antisemitism while arguing that criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian rights are separate issues from antisemitism.
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