By Paul Joseph
Ed Sheeran has cancelled two concerts scheduled to take place in Massachusetts, United States, after severe weather warnings were issued across the region.
The British singer was due to perform at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston, on Friday and Saturday as part of his ongoing US tour.
Gillette Stadium announced the cancellations after consultations with local officials, the concert promoter and Sheeran’s tour team, citing concerns over the safety of fans, staff and others involved in the events.
The venue said refunds would be available at the point of purchase, while fans who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster would receive automatic refunds.
High-wind warnings were in effect across the area through the early hours of Sunday, with officials also advising motorists to limit travel because of the weather conditions.
The cancellations come amid continued attention surrounding Sheeran’s tour following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the lineup.
Macklemore had previously made pro-Palestinian statements during performances, including calls for a “free Palestine” and references to the situation in Gaza, while also displaying images from Gaza.
Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots, criticised Macklemore’s remarks and said the rapper would not be permitted to perform at the stadium.
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his promoter rather than himself. The promoter later said venue owners, including Kraft, would have refused to host the concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Macklemore’s removal prompted other support and backing artists on the tour to withdraw in protest, sparking a wider debate over free speech and political expression in the music industry.
During his first performance after the controversy, Sheeran told fans he had faced difficult decisions, acknowledged making mistakes and apologised.
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