Macklemore launches "Free Palestine" tour after being removed from Ed Sheeran shows
The rapper will perform three concerts in Dublin, Paris and London, with all ticket revenue pledged to charities supporting Palestinians.
Macklemore announced a three-date "Free Palestine" tour, scheduled for Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30. The shows are organized by Live Nation and will feature guest artists, with proceeds earmarked for a list of humanitarian groups that work in the region.
The tour follows the artist's removal as an opening act on Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour after he delivered statements supporting Palestinian rights at two MetLife Stadium performances. Macklemore said in an Instagram post that recent events have heightened public attention to the issue and that audiences now expect artists to use their platforms for advocacy.
He also stated that he will donate the $1 million fee he earned from the Sheeran tour to the same charitable organizations. According to reports, stadium owner Robert Kraft objected to Macklemore's remarks and allegedly contacted other venue operators, leading promoters to drop him from the schedule.
Kraft later said he and Sheeran would each contribute $2 million to humanitarian aid in the region, though no specific charities were identified. Sheeran issued a statement saying he prefers not to address political topics publicly, emphasizing a focus on maintaining a neutral concert environment. After criticism, the singer later expressed personal concern about the humanitarian situation, describing the October 7 attacks and the situation in Gaza as "horrific" and "catastrophic."
The Macklemore tour will support organizations including Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA and others.