Ed Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been cancelled because of severe weather, adding to the disruption surrounding the British singer’s US tour.
The shows, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the home stadium of the New England Patriots, were called off ahead of a nor’easter expected to affect the US East Coast.
Messina Touring, Sheeran’s touring group, said the decision followed consultation with local officials and was made to protect fans, staff and everyone involved in the performances.
Ticket holders who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster will be refunded automatically, while refunds are also available for other purchases.
The cancellations come during a turbulent period for Sheeran’s “Loop” tour. Rapper Macklemore said earlier this month that he had been removed as an opening act after expressing support for Palestinians during shows in New Jersey.
Macklemore alleged that the decision was made at the request of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who he said had organised a boycott among stadium owners. Kraft did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but previously said he wanted to ensure a “welcoming environment” at Gillette Stadium and did not intend to suppress support for Palestinians.
Following Macklemore’s removal, Sheeran’s other opening acts – Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Finneas and his house band, Beoga – withdrew in protest.
At his first concert after the controversy, Sheeran said: “I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
Macklemore announced a Free Palestine Tour for October on Thursday.
More concerts cancelled as nor’easter approaches
The severe weather has also forced the cancellation of other major musical events in the north-east of the United States. The Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park was called off after organisers consulted the city and NYC Parks.
Organisers said it was the first time the festival had been cancelled in 14 years, adding: “Safety has to come first.”
All Things Go, due to take place at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, was also cancelled, while a Friday night performance by Australian rock band AC/DC at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was postponed just hours before it was due to begin.
The nor’easter is expected to affect areas from Virginia to Rhode Island, with coastal flood alerts issued for 33 million people. Wind gusts could reach 60mph in coastal areas on Saturday.
