Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Sep 25: Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has cancelled two scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts due to severe weather warnings across Boston and New England.

Sheeran was scheduled to perform at the stadium on September 25 and 26. However, the two shows were called off following consultations between tour organisers and local officials.

Tour promoter Messina Touring announced the cancellation on Instagram, citing safety concerns for fans, staff and everyone involved in the concerts.

"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. The decision was made with the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the shows as the top priority," the promoter said.

The promoter also said refunds were available at the point of purchase, while ticketholders who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster would be refunded automatically.

The cancellations come amid controversy surrounding Sheeran's US tour following comments made by rapper Macklemore, who was among the opening acts.

Macklemore voiced support for Palestinians and said "Free Palestine" during a concert in New Jersey. He was subsequently removed from Sheeran's US Loop Tour after venue owners objected to his remarks.

Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore was taken by the tour promoter following pressure from venues and denied personally removing the rapper from the tour.

Four other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Sheeran had initially said his concerts were not intended to be political. However, he addressed the controversy publicly when the tour resumed in Philadelphia on September 19.

The singer apologised for mistakes in handling the controversy and described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable", while also condemning the Hamas attack of October 2023.