Ed Sheeran Concerts at Kraft's Gillette Stadium Threatened by Storm, Aftermath of Macklemore Controversy
Inclement weather could force cancellation of weekend shows, adding to the drama following Macklemore's removal from the tour over his political statements.
Ed Sheeran's upcoming concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, may be canceled due to severe weather. Production insiders have indicated that a storm in the Northeast has disrupted the construction of the stage, raising concerns about the feasibility and safety of holding the outdoor events.
The potential cancellations come on the heels of a controversy involving the rapper Macklemore, who was dropped as an opening act for Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian statements. This decision by venue owner Robert Kraft has led to backlash and the withdrawal of several other artists from tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore.
Weather Disruptions and Stage Concerns
Sources close to the production told TMZ on Thursday that stage construction, which had partially progressed, was halted. Executives are reportedly considering dismantling the stage in anticipation of high winds and rain that could make the shows unworkable and potentially damage the stage equipment. While workers were testing lights on Thursday evening, a final decision on whether to proceed, postpone, or cancel the concerts has not yet been announced.
Macklemore Controversy and Artist Support
Macklemore stated that his removal from the tour was a result of pressure from Kraft, stemming from his pro-Palestinian messaging amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In response, several other opening acts and musicians, including Beoga, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Finneas, have pulled out of tour dates.
Sheeran addressed the situation during his concert in Philadelphia last Saturday. He expressed his reluctance to be an "activist musician" but acknowledged being caught in a passionate debate about freedom of speech and complex political issues. "I don’t want to disappoint fans," Sheeran stated, "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 series of "Free Palestine" tour dates starting next month, with proceeds designated for organizations supporting Palestinian causes. He commented on Instagram, "When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention."
Ticket Refunds and Consumer Action
Following Macklemore's removal, efforts to secure refunds for ticket holders were initiated. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced Thursday that Ticketmaster would honor refund requests for the Gillette Stadium shows due to the significant lineup change. Campbell advised consumers seeking refunds to submit their requests at least 24 hours before the scheduled showtime.
