Ed Sheeran’s two shows at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium have been cancelled due to “severe weather warnings” – bringing an unexpected end to weeks of controversy around whether the gigs would go ahead without Macklemore.

The ‘Loop’ tour dates had been scheduled to take place at the Foxborough, Massachusetts stadium on September 25 and 26, but promoter Messina Touring confirmed shortly before the first show that both had been scrapped.

“Due to the severe weather warnings in place in Boston and across New England throughout the weekend and following consultation with local officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium,” they said. “The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority.”

A Stormy End to a Contentious Tour

The cancellation comes after the Gillette dates became the centre of a heated debate over the removal of Macklemore from the tour. The rapper had been supporting Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium earlier this month when he made an impassioned speech in support of Palestinians. His performance drew criticism from the Israeli-American Council and others, while stadium owner Robert Kraft expressed strong objections to the rhetoric used.

Following the controversy, Macklemore claimed he had been dropped from the remaining ‘Loop’ shows. Ed Sheeran subsequently stated that the decision was made by the promoter after venues indicated they would pull shows if the rapper remained on the bill, insisting he was not complicit in the removal.

Widespread Weather Disruptions

A powerful nor’easter moving along the US East Coast has caused widespread disruption to major music events. Beyond the Gillette Stadium cancellations, the New York edition of All Things Go at Forest Hills Stadium was cancelled, as was the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park—the first time in its 14-year history. Other affected events include the CBGB Festival in Brooklyn and the Oceans Calling Festival in Maryland. Meanwhile, AC/DC’s performance at MetLife Stadium has been postponed to October 2.

View this post on Instagram

Ticketmaster purchases for the Ed Sheeran shows will be refunded automatically, with other ticket holders advised to seek refunds from their original point of purchase.