Macklemore Announces ‘Free Palestine’ Tour Following Ed Sheeran Tour Fallout: US rapper Macklemore has announced a new concert series titled the “Free Palestine Tour,” days after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour following his public comments in support of Palestinians.
Macklemore announced the new tour on social media, where he said the shows would bring together musicians and friends who have used their platforms to support Palestinians. The first announced performances are scheduled for Dublin, Paris and London in October, with additional dates expected to be announced.
Macklemore’s announcement follows a controversy that erupted after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. During a September 4 appearance, he spoke about the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and called for a “Free Palestine.”
The rapper has said proceeds from the new tour will support organizations providing humanitarian assistance and supporting Palestinians. Organizations associated with the initiative include Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace and UNRWA USA.
In his social mediaa announcement, Macklemore said he had spent the previous week reaching out to artists who had publicly shown solidarity with Palestinians. The project reflects his continuing decision to combine his music career with advocacy on the issue.
The controversy surrounding his departure from Sheeran’s tour also resulted in changes to the supporting lineup. Several artists subsequently withdrew from remaining performances, amid discussion about the Gaza conflict and the role of musicians in political and humanitarian issues.
Sheeran has said he did not personally make the decision to remove Macklemore, attributing the decision to the tour promoter following pressure from venue owners. Sheeran later addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza during a concert, describing the suffering of civilians and children as “catastrophic and unjustifiable.”
Macklemore’s new tour now places Palestinian advocacy at the center of his live performances. The Dublin show is scheduled for October 26, followed by performances in Paris on October 29 and London on October 30. Additional US dates and participating artists are expected to be announced.
The development adds another chapter to the continuing debate over music, activism, freedom of expression and humanitarian advocacy, as artists increasingly use international concert platforms and social media to express their positions on major global issues.
