Ed Sheeran’s upcoming performances at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been called off due to severe weather alerts, marking another setback for his tour, which has faced controversies following the removal of opener Macklemore for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
The decision to cancel Sheeran’s shows in Foxborough, near Boston, on Friday and Saturday was made in light of forecasts predicting strong winds of up to 64 kilometers per hour. Messina Touring, the group managing Sheeran’s tour, stated in an Instagram post that they reached this conclusion after consulting with local authorities.
Refunds for all tickets will be processed through the original point of purchase, according to the touring company. This cancellation follows Macklemore’s announcement of his own tour supporting Palestinians, criticizing the influence of the “billionaire class” in controlling voices on stage.
Prior to his removal from the lineup, Macklemore had performed two shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he expressed solidarity with Palestinians. The decision to drop Macklemore was reportedly influenced by stadium owner Robert Kraft, who had concerns about the artist’s previous behavior.
Despite the cancellations and lineup changes, Sheeran continues to face criticism for his perceived lack of public stance on political issues. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have protested outside his recent concerts, urging fans to boycott the shows.
Fans seeking refunds for the affected shows at Gillette Stadium have been assured by the state’s attorney general that they will be accommodated, following concerns raised over changes to the lineup. Ticketmaster has agreed to provide refunds for the affected performances, following pressure from the attorney general’s office.
The ongoing controversies surrounding the tour have led to price drops for remaining tickets and raised questions about the role of artists in addressing political issues. The situation highlights the challenges faced by musicians navigating political sensitivities in their performances.