Ed Sheeran Cancels Robert Kraft’s Stadium Shows Amid Macklemore Drama

Ed Sheeran’s two scheduled concerts at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been cancelled because of severe weather, as the singer’s US tour continues to face fallout from the removal of Macklemore from the line-up.

Sheeran was due to perform at the Foxborough stadium on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26 as part of his Loop Tour. The promoter and tour made the decision to cancel the shows after consulting local officials, citing severe weather and safety concerns.

Ticket holders will receive refunds, with the cancellations coming as Sheeran’s tour remains caught up in controversy over Macklemore’s departure.

Photo: Getty Images

Macklemore had been scheduled to perform as one of Sheeran’s opening acts. During his September 4 and 5 appearances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, he performed his song Hind’s Hall and voiced support for Palestinians, including calling for a “Free Palestine”.

His comments drew criticism from pro-Israel organisations and became a source of dispute over his remaining appearances on Sheeran’s tour.

Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, became involved in the dispute after Macklemore’s MetLife performances. Sheeran later said he had spoken with Kraft and other venue representatives but maintained that the promoter, Messina Touring Group, ultimately made the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour.

Photo: Getty

Macklemore has given a different account. He said Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium and claimed other stadium owners had also been encouraged to take the same position.

The dispute was followed by further changes to Sheeran’s touring line-up. Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew from upcoming dates, while Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also announced that it would no longer participate in the tour.

Sheeran addressed the controversy during his September 19 concert in Philadelphia. He spoke about the Israel-Gaza conflict, saying he had struggled with how to respond publicly while expressing concern about civilian suffering.

Photo: Getty Images

Macklemore later pledged to donate the $1 million he earned from Sheeran’s tour to organisations supporting Palestinians and challenged Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft subsequently said Sheeran had asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region.

The Gillette Stadium cancellations were announced separately from the dispute, with severe weather forecast across New England.

The promoter said the decision was made following consultation with local officials, with heavy rain and strong winds expected in the area.

Photo: Andy Kropa/AP/File

The cancellation affects the two Gillette Stadium dates, while Sheeran’s subsequent US shows remain scheduled.

The two concerts would have taken place days after Sheeran publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal. The dispute has involved Sheeran, Macklemore, venue owners, promoters and other artists, with political expression at concerts becoming a central issue.

For now, Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium dates have been called off, with fans being offered refunds for the cancelled shows.