Ed Sheeran Cancels US Concerts Due to Storm Warning Amid Macklemore Controversy

Ed Sheeran cancels two US concerts due to storm warnings as the Macklemore tour controversy continues.

Ed Sheeran’s next scheduled US concerts have been cancelled after severe weather warnings prompted safety concerns across New England. The British singer was due to perform two shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on September 25 and 26 as part of his ongoing Loop Tour. The cancellation comes at a difficult moment for the tour, which has already faced significant controversy following the removal of rapper Macklemore over his pro-Palestinian remarks and the subsequent withdrawal of several supporting artists.

The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that the decision was made after consultation with local officials. Although the immediate reason for cancelling the concerts is the approaching storm, the announcement has attracted additional attention because of the controversy surrounding the tour and the involvement of Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft in the earlier dispute.

Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium Concerts Cancelled: What Happened?

Sheeran had been scheduled to perform on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Both shows have now been cancelled because of severe weather warnings affecting Boston and other parts of New England.

In its cancellation announcement, Messina Touring Group said it had made the difficult decision after consulting local officials. The promoter explained that the safety of concertgoers, staff members and everyone involved in the performances was its top priority.

The approaching nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, powerful winds and coastal flooding to parts of the US East Coast. Forecasts indicated that wind gusts around Boston could reach approximately 50–55 mph, with even stronger gusts possible in exposed coastal areas. Such conditions can create risks for large outdoor events, including crowd movement, temporary structures and the safe operation of stadium facilities.

The cancellation is weather-related. There is no confirmed evidence that the two Gillette Stadium shows were cancelled because of the Macklemore controversy.

Ticket Refunds: What Fans Need to Know

Fans who purchased tickets for the cancelled Gillette Stadium concerts can request refunds through their original point of purchase. According to the promoter’s announcement, refunds are available, while eligible Ticketmaster purchases are being refunded automatically.

Ticket holders should check their original booking account and email for instructions, refund status and any relevant processing information. Fans who bought tickets through a third-party seller should contact that seller directly to understand the applicable refund arrangements.

The cancellation means that fans who had planned to attend either of the two Massachusetts performances will not be able to see Sheeran at the venue on the scheduled dates. No replacement dates for the cancelled shows were confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication.

Why Is Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Facing Controversy?

The weather-related cancellations come after a separate dispute over freedom of expression, political statements and the role of venue owners in live entertainment.

The controversy began during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore appeared as an opening act. During his set, the rapper expressed support for Palestine and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall, which addresses the war in Gaza and pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations.

His comments drew criticism from some Jewish advocacy groups. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, subsequently opposed Macklemore’s continued participation in the tour. Kraft said the decision was connected to the rapper’s recent comments and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore has used his platform to advocate for Palestinian rights, while the dispute has prompted wider discussion about political expression at concerts.

On September 14, tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced that Macklemore would no longer perform at the remaining US shows. The promoter said venues had indicated they would not allow concerts to proceed with him on the lineup, potentially putting the wider tour at risk.

Ed Sheeran Responds to Macklemore’s Removal

Sheeran faced criticism over the decision, with questions about whether he should have done more to support his former opening act. In a statement shared on social media, the singer said Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision, not his own.

Sheeran acknowledged that he had spoken with Kraft and the venues in an attempt to find a solution, but said the decision was ultimately final. He also argued that his concerts should provide a welcoming space for people from different backgrounds rather than become political forums.

The singer later addressed the issue directly during his September 19 performance in Philadelphia. He condemned the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and described the devastation and civilian suffering in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable. He reiterated his desire to promote humanity, peace and unity through his music.

Supporting Artists Withdraw From the Tour

The controversy escalated when several musicians withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian cause.

Among the artists who announced their departures were Finneas, Irish band Beoga, singer Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham. Their withdrawals disrupted the original supporting lineup and placed further attention on Sheeran’s response to the dispute.

Finneas publicly expressed support for Palestinians, while Beoga and Rowe also explained their decisions in terms of their opposition to oppression and their support for Palestinian rights. Sheeran continued performing despite the departures, including his Philadelphia show.

Macklemore Announces a Separate Free Palestine Tour

The dispute has also affected Macklemore’s own touring plans. After leaving Sheeran’s tour, the rapper announced a separate Free Palestine tour, initially outlining European dates and indicating that US performances would follow.

Macklemore also announced a $1 million donation to support Palestinian relief efforts and challenged Kraft to match the contribution. Subsequently, a spokesperson for Kraft said that Kraft and Sheeran had each agreed to donate $2 million, although the recipients of those donations had not been specified in the reporting available at the time.

The developments have turned a disagreement over one opening act into a broader debate about the relationship between music, political expression, commercial interests and the responsibilities of major concert venues.

When Is Ed Sheeran’s Next US Concert?

Despite the two cancellations in Massachusetts, Sheeran’s wider Loop Tour has not been announced as cancelled. His next scheduled US performance is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on October 3, 2026, according to the reported tour schedule. The tour is scheduled to continue through the autumn, with its final US show listed for November 7 in Tampa, Florida. Fans should check official tour announcements for any changes before making travel arrangements.

The distinction is important: the September 25 and 26 cancellations concern the two Gillette Stadium concerts, and the promoter attributed them to severe weather. The earlier Macklemore dispute is a separate issue that has affected the tour’s lineup and public reception.

For Sheeran, the immediate priority is navigating the weather-related disruption while continuing the remaining scheduled performances. However, the debate over Macklemore’s removal is likely to remain part of the conversation surrounding the tour, particularly as artists and audiences continue to discuss where political expression belongs in live music.

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