Macklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour Following Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy
Rapper Macklemore has announced details of his upcoming “Free Palestine” Tour, following his removal as a support act from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The initial announcement includes three European arena dates, with further shows, including stops in the United States, expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Free Palestine Tour Dates
The tour kicks off in October across major European venues:
- October 26 — 3Arena, Dublin
- October 29 — Accor Arena, Paris
- October 30 — OVO Arena Wembley, London
Announcing the shows on social media, Macklemore pointed to a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation over the past three years and criticized the billionaire class for attempting to censor artists. All proceeds from the concerts will benefit various aid organizations, including Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA. The rapper also stated that he is in talks with other artists across genres who have used their stages to stand in solidarity with Palestine.
Fallout From Ed Sheeran’s Tour
Macklemore’s firing came after he called for a “free Palestine” during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to Macklemore’s previous statements, Patriots owner Robert Kraft allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum regarding the rapper’s appearance. The removal subsequently triggered a wider backlash, resulting in other support acts and Sheeran’s backing band pulling out of the tour.
Sheeran later addressed the situation during a performance in Philadelphia, acknowledging he made mistakes and stating he is listening and learning. The ongoing controversy has drawn commentary from across the music community. Madness frontman Suggs weighed in on the matter, telling the Mirror that while he understands why people might be scared of the polarising issue, he feels Sheeran has “enough money not to be scared of it.” Meanwhile, Sting previously defended Macklemore’s right to free political expression, drawing a distinction between hate speech and legitimate political criticism, while also noting that Sheeran was placed in a difficult dilemma.
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