Nor'easter Cancels Ed Sheeran Concerts Amid Macklemore Fallout
Ed Sheeran's two Gillette Stadium concerts this weekend are canceled. A nor'easter prompted the decision, Robert Kraft's office confirmed Friday.
- 1 to 2 inches of rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph are forecast for Foxborough.
- 60 mph gusts are possible in coastal New England locations this weekend.
- Stage construction had been halted Thursday before the formal cancellation Friday.
- Ticketmaster purchasers will be refunded automatically, per Kraft's statement.
Why it matters: The cancellations cap weeks of turmoil for Sheeran's Loop Tour. Macklemore was removed as an opening act after making pro-Palestinian statements from the stage at New Jersey shows.
- Kraft told Sheeran that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium, citing what he called antisemitic rhetoric.
- All other opening acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga — withdrew in solidarity, as did Sheeran's backing band.
How 38 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides on whether Kraft's role in removing Macklemore was a legitimate safety and conduct decision or an improper exercise of venue power to suppress political speech.
Center coverage, 14 sources: The center presents the cancellation as a straightforward weather decision, with the Macklemore dispute treated as relevant backstory rather than the central lens.
Left coverage, 14 sources: The left frames the cancellation as an ironic coda to a story about a powerful owner suppressing pro-Palestinian speech, with Sheeran portrayed as having taken a morally weak path.
Right coverage, 10 sources: The right notes the timing and Kraft's central role with a degree of skepticism toward the weather rationale, while presenting Kraft's objection to Macklemore's remarks as based on concerns about antisemitism.
What’s next: Macklemore announced a 'Free Palestine Tour' stopping in Dublin, Paris, and London in late October.
- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell secured refund availability for fans citing lineup changes.
- Whether Sheeran's remaining Loop Tour dates will proceed without opening acts or a backing band.
- Whether other stadium owners who reportedly joined Kraft's ultimatum will face any legal or public pressure over the decision.
