Ed Sheeran’s Controversial Gillette Stadium Concerts Canceled As Boston Braces For Nor’easter

Ed Sheeran‘s beleaguered Gillette Stadium concerts tonight and Saturday have been canceled due to the nor’easter threatening New England with severe weather.

In an Instagram post, Messina Touring – the promotor of Sheeran’s tour – wrote, “Due to the severe weather warnings in place in Boston and across New England through the weekend anf following consultation with local officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium.

“The decision,” the statement continues, “was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority.”

Local weather reports for Foxborough, Massachusetts – the Boston-area town where Gillette Stadium is located – are predicting up to 2 inches of rain and 40 MPH wind gusts from the nor’easter.

Messina Touring said refunds are available at points of purchase, and ticketholders who purchased through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.

The nor’easter is just the latest storm to impact Sheeran’s Loop tour: After Sheeran, under pressure from billionaire Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, fired opening act Macklemore for pro-Palestine statements made at a previous concert, a storm of controversy and backlash engulfed Sheeran and the tour. Other acts and musicians on the tour resigned in protest, forcing Sheeran to apologize and attempt to explain his actions.

Macklemore subsequently announced that he would launch his own “Free Palestine” tour, with proceeds going to various charities supporting the Palestinian people.