Macklemore Reiterates Support for Palestine at Red Rocks Concert

Macklemore returned to the stage on Oct. 22 at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, pausing his 17-song set to address the audience about several international conflicts. He repeatedly urged a “free Palestine” and also mentioned Sudan, the Congo, Lebanon, Haiti and people affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying the appeal was a human, not a political, response.

"Being a human being in this moment is not complicated. It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffering and to say, ‘Not anymore!’ So I say, free Palestine. I say, free Palestine!"

He added that the message would always be love. The appearance was his first concert since a contentious stint opening for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, where he performed a protest song titled “Hind’s Hall” and displayed Gaza-related imagery. The shows prompted criticism from groups such as the Israeli-American Council and led to his removal from the remaining tour dates after venues and promoter Messina Touring Group declined to host him. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, also barred him from a Massachusetts performance, citing concerns about the rhetoric.

Sheeran later clarified that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by promoters and venues, not by him, and expressed respect for the rapper’s “strength of purpose.” In response, Macklemore pledged the $1 million he earned from the tour to organizations aiding Palestinians, while Kraft announced a $2 million humanitarian contribution.

Following the controversy, Macklemore announced a “Free Palestine Tour” with sold-out shows in Dublin, Paris and London, with proceeds earmarked for groups such as Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Streaming data reported by Billboard showed a sharp rise in U.S. on-demand streams of his catalog, including a notable increase for “Hind’s Hall," after the incident.