Ed Sheeran concerts cancelled in fresh blow to tour

Ed Sheeran's scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts have been canceled due to severe weather warnings affecting Boston and surrounding areas of New England. The venue announced the decision was made to prioritize the safety of fans, staff, and organizers. The multi-day nor’easter expected to hit the east coast of the U.S. on Friday is forecast to impact coastal regions from North and South Carolina to New Jersey and the Canadian Maritimes.

The cancellation comes after Macklemore was removed as a supporting act from Sheeran's tour for making comments supporting a Palestinian state. Sheeran's remaining support acts also withdrew from the tour following threats from Gillette Stadium's owner Robert Kraft and other venue owners to cancel shows if Macklemore stayed on. Macklemore later pledged $1 million from tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations.

Upon learning of his removal, Sheeran expressed regret and emphasized that he is "not complicit" in any political stance, stating his focus was on music criticism rather than political commentary. At a subsequent Philadelphia concert, Sheeran addressed the controversy, apologizing for the difficult decisions he had to make. Sheeran has since announced an "Free Palestine" tour with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations, starting with three dates in Europe in October.