Musician Zach Bryan performed at Gillette Stadium on Friday, October 2, 2026, while wearing a black T-shirt featuring pro-Palestinian messaging. The shirt displayed the words "Free Palestine" and "An appeal to heaven" alongside a pine tree logo. Several members of Bryan’s band also wore clothing with similar themes during the first of two scheduled performances at the Foxborough venue.
The concert took place weeks after rapper Macklemore was removed from scheduled appearances at the same stadium. Macklemore had been set to open for Ed Sheeran on September 25 and 26, 2026, but the tour promoter confirmed he would no longer appear following pro-Palestinian comments he made during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Gillette Stadium is owned by the Kraft Group, led by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft stated that Macklemore’s participation would "cross that line," citing what he described as a history of offensive rhetoric and imagery. While Kraft acknowledged Palestinian suffering is real, he stated he felt a responsibility to act against antisemitism. In response, Macklemore argued that criticizing the Israeli government should not be equated with Jewish hate. Following the removal, other opening acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, withdrew from the tour in solidarity. Sheeran’s Foxborough shows were eventually canceled due to a nor'easter.
The actions of performers at major venues like Gillette Stadium affect a wide range of stakeholders, including concertgoers and private business owners. Robert Kraft has established a policy regarding what he considers acceptable expression at his venue. Macklemore reported losing brand deals and festival slots, subsequently pledging $1 million from his tour earnings to Palestinian aid. Additionally, Kraft stated he discussed matching a $2 million donation pledge from Ed Sheeran.
Musicians like Zach Bryan, who has a history of friction with government officials, continue to test boundaries at private venues. While Macklemore was removed for his statements, stadium representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Bryan's attire. Bryan was scheduled to return for a second show on Saturday, October 3, 2026.