Ed Sheeran was forced to withdraw from his scheduled concert in St. Louis, Missouri, due to security concerns as the city grapples with the violent demonstrations that started Friday night. The unrest was brought about by the acquittal of a police officer accused of murder in relation to the fatal shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith back in 2011.
The “Shape of You” singer had already sold-out all tickets for his Sunday night show in the St. Loius’ Scottrade Center, but consultations between the concert organizers and local officials revealed that sufficient police presence and other necessary city support could not be guaranteed.
Fans’ safety is of utmost concern
Messina Touring Group, the company in charge of organizing Sheeran’s concerts, released a statement through the singer’s official website. They said that the safety of the fans is of the utmost concern and so it is in the best interest of everyone to cancel the scheduled show.
The organizers further expressed their regrets for the decision but said that it looks forward returning to St. Louis next year as soon as Ed Sheeran’s schedule can make it possible. All tickets sold will be refunded, the statement said.
There was no statement from Ed Sheeran himself, in relation to the cancellation of his sold-out concert in St. Louis.
U2 also canceled show
The “Thinking Out Loud” singer was not the only one affected by the current disturbance in St.
Louis. The Irish rock band, u2, also called off its scheduled concert on Saturday night at the St. Louis Dome because of similar security concerns.
The band and its promoter, Live Nation, released an earlier statement saying that they cannot in “good conscience” risk the safety of the fans. Given the current environment, canceling U2’s concert was the only “acceptable course of action.”
The organizers were informed by the St.
Louis Police Department that it was not in a position to give the necessary standard security for the show and that its crowd security staff would not be at full capacity.
Demonstrations still ongoing
Violent protests erupted in St. Louis following a court verdict handed down on Friday. The court had acquitted former police officer Jason Stockley for the charge of murder over the shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith back in 2011.
As of Friday night, there were 32 protestors arrested and 10 officers injured as the protest march following the verdict turned violent. The protest also continued over the weekend, forcing U2 and Ed Sheeran to cancel their respective shows.
There are no indications yet as to when the demonstrations will end.
