Sheeran cancels Gillette Stadium shows after Macklemore fallout; storm

**Ed Sheeran Cancels Loop Tour Stops at Gillette Stadium Because of Severe Weather Forecast**

The singer‑songwriter announced on Friday that his Loop Tour concerts scheduled for Friday and Saturday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts, would be called off. The decision came from stadium officials and tour management after a severe weather forecast for the weekend.

It was not linked to the earlier controversy involving his former opening act, Macklemore, who had been dropped from the tour.

A spokesperson for Gillette Stadium explained that “Stadium and tour management, along with public safety officials, have been closely monitoring the weather forecast over the past week.” The “difficult decision” to cancel was made “due to the severe weather forecast throughout the weekend,” referring to a nor’easter expected to hit New England.

The statement added that safety of fans, staff and everyone involved was the top priority and that ticket holders could receive refunds.

Sheeran’s rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. The stadium had already paused stage construction for the shows, and officials said no further details would be released until the weather cleared.

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## Background & Context

The Loop Tour was already under strain before the weather forced a halt. Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe—all of whom had opened for Sheeran—left the tour as a show of solidarity after Macklemore, 43, was axed following on‑stage remarks about Palestine.

Macklemore’s removal came after he posted a long Instagram statement on September 14 in which he called out Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft for allegedly threatening venue owners that Sheeran would lose future access if Macklemore remained on the tour.

Sheeran responded on his own social media, saying he had tried to find a mutual resolution but that the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.

Sheeran clarified that “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” He also stated that Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not with him.

In light of the controversy, Sheeran altered his set for subsequent shows—pushing start times back and removing the B stage because of concerns about items being thrown onstage.

His Instagram following has dropped nearly 500 000 followers amid the backlash, and he issued a tearful apology at a Philadelphia show, noting that “this week, the criticism was about something much more important.”

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## Weather‑Related Cancellation

The nor’easter forecast made it unsafe for large crowds and for the logistics of building a stage in an outdoor stadium.

The stadium spokesperson emphasized that “The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority.” Fans who had purchased tickets were offered refunds, though no specific process was detailed.

Stage construction had been halted earlier in the week after officials deemed it prudent to wait for clearer weather.

While the cancellation was unrelated to the Macklemore dispute, it added another layer of complexity to Sheeran’s tour management. The decision illustrates how external factors such as weather can abruptly alter a major artist’s itinerary, even amid preexisting controversies.

No further concerts at Gillette Stadium have been announced for the remainder of the Loop Tour.

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## Aftermath & Future Plans

Following the cancellation, Macklemore announced on Thursday that he would embark on a “Free Palestine Tour” overseas next month, with planned stops in Dublin, Paris and London. Robert Kraft, 85, has expressed a willingness to sit down with Macklemore; however, Macklemore has not yet responded to those overtures.

Sheeran’s next shows on the Loop Tour will likely proceed with the revised set list he adopted after the incident. Fans can expect refunds for the canceled Gillette Stadium dates and will need to stay tuned for any updates on tour scheduling as weather conditions improve.