Ed Sheeran’s Boston concerts could be cancelled after a nor’easter brought warnings of potentially dangerous winds to New England, with the singer due to perform at the open-air Gillette Stadium this weekend.
The weather threat is separate from the controversy surrounding former supporting act Macklemore, whose remaining appearances on Sheeran’s tour were removed after backlash over pro-Palestinian comments made during two New Jersey shows.
High winds threaten Ed Sheeran’s Boston concerts
A high wind warning is in effect from Friday morning until early Sunday, with northeast winds of 25 to 35mph and gusts reaching between 45 and 60mph expected.
The conditions could pose a risk at Gillette Stadium, where tall equipment is positioned around the floor of the outdoor venue. Heavy rain, falling trees and power lines, potential power outages and difficult travel have also been forecast.
A stadium source said preparations were otherwise complete for Sheeran to perform, with lighting equipment still being tested on Thursday night in case the Friday concert went ahead.
The possible cancellations come after a dispute over Macklemore’s removal from the tour. Sheeran said on September 15 that venues had indicated they would withdraw shows if Macklemore continued as a supporting act.
Sheeran said the venues’ position was based on the way Macklemore had conveyed part of his message, rather than on everything he had said. He added that he had spoken with venue representatives, promoters and activists on both sides in an attempt to find a resolution.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said, adding that the rapper’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him.
Sheeran also said he would not abandon fans who had made plans, or the touring crew and other musicians who depended on the shows for work. The other opening acts and his backing band subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity.
At a concert in Philadelphia last weekend, Sheeran became tearful and said friends and family members had “abandoned” him amid the controversy.
