Ed Sheeran's rough ride worsens as another tour blow lands amid claims of 500K lost followers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS: Ed Sheeran's already turbulent US tour has run into another problem: this time from the weather.

The British singer was due to take his 'Loop Tour' to Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts this weekend, starting Friday, September 25, but fans will no longer see him there after both shows were called off ahead of a major storm.

The cancellation comes just days after Sheeran became embroiled in a public dispute over the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour.

Storm wipes out Ed Sheeran's shows

Sheeran’s Friday and Saturday performances at Gillette Stadium were canceled after severe weather warnings were issued across Boston and New England.

Messina Touring, the promoter behind the shows, announced the decision on Instagram, saying the forecast left the team with no choice but to scrap both dates.

“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 promoter said.

The company said safety was the main consideration for fans, employees and everyone involved in the concerts.

Fans who bought tickets through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded, while other ticket holders can obtain refunds from their original point of purchase.

The cancellations are particularly significant because Gillette Stadium was supposed to be one of the major stops on the US leg of Sheeran’s tour.

The venue is also owned by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose name has already become closely tied to the controversy surrounding Sheeran’s concerts.

Separately, there are also claims circulating online that Sheeran has lost more than 500,000 Instagram followers.

They, however, remain unverified and appear to have been heavily exaggerated.

Macklemore row puts tour under spotlight

The weather cancellation arrives after a much more contentious episode involving Sheeran’s choice of opening act.

Macklemore was reportedly booted from the rest of the US leg of the 'Loop Tour' following his onstage advocacy for Palestine during a two-night stint at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.

According to the rapper, stadium executives reportedly blocked him from performing at their venues after Robert Kraft actively convinced fellow stadium owners to boycott his appearance on the tour.

Sheeran initially took the heat for dropping the rapper, but he later shifted the responsibility, stating that the decision was forced by the venues and promoters behind the tour.

He subsequently addressed the Israel-Gaza controversy on stage, saying the situation in Gaza was “catastrophic” and “unjustifiable.”