Macklemore Launches Sold-Out "Free Palestine" Tour in Dublin with Hozier

Macklemore began his three-show Free Palestine Tour at Dublin's 3Arena on Oct. 26, sharing the stage with Hozier, Kneecap, DJ Habibeats, singer Lina Makoul and M1 of Dead Prez. The backing band Boega, which left Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore, also performed. The lineup was kept secret until the concert.

The tour will continue at Paris' Accor Arena on Oct. 29 and London's OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 30, with all ticket proceeds earmarked for organizations providing humanitarian aid, education, advocacy and community programs for Palestinians.

Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. Loop Tour after venues threatened cancellation if he remained on the bill, according to promoter Messina Touring Group. Sheeran later said he had never intended to become an activist musician and expressed concern about venues pre-approving performance content.

"This is an issue of free speech," said Shain Shapiro, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Center for Music Ecosystems. "The point of the arts is to express oneself; audiences can agree or not, which is also their free speech."

Amore Philip, founder of Apples and Oranges Public Relations, noted that political speech on stage is both a business and creative decision. She said artists like Macklemore integrate activism into their brand, which can strengthen fan loyalty but may also alienate promoters, brands and casual listeners.