Country music artist Zach Bryan and members of his band performed at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium on October 2, 2026, wearing black T-shirts bearing the words “Free Palestine,” TMZ reported. The wardrobe choice at the Foxborough, Massachusetts venue arrived just one week after the stadium became the center of a tour controversy involving Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Zach Bryan Wears Statement Shirts on Stage in Foxborough
Bryan took the stage on a Friday night as part of his “With Heaven On Tour,” alongside special guests Gregory Alan Isakov and Gabriella Rose, according to Just Jared. Photographs obtained by TMZ show Bryan and his bandmates wearing the pro-Palestinian shirts during the concert. The official schedule for Gillette Stadium confirmed back-to-back performances for Bryan on October 2 and 3.
Representatives for Robert Kraft and the Kraft Group have not responded to requests for comment regarding the stage attire. The demonstration follows a high-profile dispute at the venue that upended the concert schedule days prior.
The Macklemore and Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy at Gillette Stadium
The stage statement follows the removal of rapper Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Macklemore was dropped after shouting “Free Palestine” and performing his track “Hind’s Hall” in front of Gaza footage during a set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Macklemore subsequently alleged that multiple venues objected to his involvement, specifically naming Robert Kraft among those who opposed his performances at Gillette Stadium. Sheeran confirmed in interviews that venues threatened to pull upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran stated that he spoke directly with Kraft to find a resolution, though he maintained that the final decision to remove the rapper came from the tour promoter rather than himself.
Weather Cancellations Preceded the Wardrobe Protest
The controversy directly impacted the Gillette Stadium concert calendar before Bryan’s arrival. Sheeran’s scheduled September 25 and 26 shows at the Foxborough venue were canceled entirely due to severe weather warnings from a powerful nor’easter.
While Sheeran’s tour dates were scrubbed by the elements, Macklemore announced a separate “Free Palestine” tour with proceeds directed toward organizations supporting Palestinians. Macklemore revealed that his first three scheduled performances in Dublin, Paris, and London sold out. One week after Sheeran’s canceled dates, Bryan stepped onto the same Gillette Stadium stage wearing the disputed political slogan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gillette Stadium Concerts
Why did Ed Sheeran cancel his Gillette Stadium shows?
Ed Sheeran canceled his September 25 and 26, 2026, concerts at Gillette Stadium because of severe weather warnings brought on by a powerful nor’easter.
Who owns Gillette Stadium?
Gillette Stadium is owned by Robert Kraft’s Kraft Group, which also operates the New England Patriots.
What tour is Zach Bryan currently performing?
Zach Bryan is performing across North America as part of his “With Heaven On Tour,” which featured stops at Gillette Stadium on October 2 and 3, 2026.
Keep reading