Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium Concerts Cancelled Due to Nor’Easter Warnings
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Ed Sheeran's two concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, scheduled for 25 and 26 September, have been cancelled due to severe nor'easter weather warnings across New England. The cancellation is primarily attributed to safety concerns, with promoter Messina Touring Group and local officials deciding the dangerous conditions warranted postponement. Refunds will be available at the original point of purchase.
The cancellation coincides with broader controversy surrounding the tour: stadium owner Robert Kraft previously orchestrated the removal of opening act Macklemore after the rapper used his stage time at MetLife Stadium to express support for Palestinians. Kraft's subsequent statement clarified that his objection was not to Palestinian advocacy itself, but to what he characterized as antisemitic rhetoric and selective information presented during Macklemore's performance. Kraft stated he had coordinated with other stadium owners to enforce the removal, whilst expressing willingness to dialogue with Macklemore about shared goals of peace and ending all forms of hate.
- Concerts cancelled due to nor'easter weather warnings; refunds available.
- Cancellation follows controversy over Macklemore's removal for alleged antisemitic rhetoric.
- Stadium owner Kraft stated objection was to how Palestinian advocacy was presented, not the cause itself.
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Ed Sheeran is a globally successful British musician who is touring major stadiums across America. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is one of these venues, owned by Robert Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots sports franchise. Kraft's role in controlling what performers can do at his stadium has become central to ongoing controversy surrounding the tour.
Earlier in the tour, Macklemore, the rapper opening for Ed Sheeran at another venue, used his stage time to speak about Palestine and Israeli policy. Kraft objected to these remarks and arranged for Macklemore to be removed from subsequent dates on the tour. Kraft stated that his objection was not to discussion of Palestine itself, but to what he characterised as antisemitic rhetoric and selective information in Macklemore's statements.
The tour has been marked by this dispute over artistic freedom and the power of venue owners to control what performers can say. Questions about whether this was a reasonable decision or an overreach of that power have become part of the broader conversation around the performances.
Coverage
- Rolling Stone — Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium Shows Canceled Due to ‘Severe Weather Forecast’
- Consequence — Ed Sheeran’s Concerts at Gillette Stadium Cancelled Due to Severe Weather Forecast
- Variety — Ed Sheeran’s Concerts Canceled at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium Due to Storm
- Far Out — Ed Sheeran’s concerts at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium cancelled due to “severe weather”