Macklemore opens Free Palestine tour in Dublin with Hozier, Kneecap and Mark Ruffalo video

The rapper performed to a sold‑out 3Arena crowd, pledging proceeds to Palestinian charities and citing his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:20:25 GMT

Macklemore launched his Free Palestine tour on Monday at Dublin’s 3Arena, performing to a sold‑out audience of roughly 13,000 people.

What happened

The one‑hour set featured guest appearances by Irish singer‑songwriter Hozier, rap trio Kneecap, folk band Beoga and Palestinian singer Lina Makoul. A pre‑recorded video from actor Mark Ruffalo was projected on the arena screens. Macklemore opened with a speech about music’s power to resist and unite, then performed his hits including “Thrift Shop.” The concert was part of a three‑city European benefit series that will continue in Paris and London.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk noted that the event also included actor Liam Cunningham onstage and highlighted that Beoga had previously been part of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour before dropping out in solidarity with Macklemore. The New York Post article added that Ruffalo’s video urged the crowd to “keep fighting for a free Palestine and humanity all over the world.” Both outlets quoted Macklemore’s speech verbatim, but the New York Post emphasized his reflection on being dropped from Sheeran’s tour, while Standard.co.uk focused on the broader message of shared humanity.

What was said

"Six weeks ago, it was two words. Two words is all that it took. Two words that are rooted in love and liberation. Not against anybody, not divisive. Not a call for hatred. But a call to recognise our shared humanity. Free Palestine. I said, free Palestine!" Macklemore said, as reported by both Standard.co.uk and the New York Post.

Mark Ruffalo’s video, according to the New York Post, told the audience to “keep fighting for a free Palestine and humanity all over the world and amongst the people.”

How it came about

The tour follows Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after he shouted “Free Palestine” at a stadium in September. Felo News previously covered the Dublin launch (Macklemore launches Dublin Free Palestine show as Jack Antonoff slams Ed Sheeran) and the tour’s sold‑out status (Macklemore says Free Palestine tour sold out instantly). Proceeds from the three‑date European leg are earmarked for twelve Palestinian humanitarian organisations, as detailed in earlier Felo reporting.

Key facts

Macklemore performed to a sold‑out crowd of about 13,000 at Dublin's 3Arena. (nypost.com)
Guest performers included Hozier, Kneecap, Beoga and Lina Makoul. (standard.co.uk)
Mark Ruffalo appeared via a pre‑recorded video urging support for a free Palestine. (nypost.com)
All proceeds from the three‑city European tour will be donated to twelve Palestinian humanitarian organisations. (nypost.com)
The concert follows Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour over pro‑Palestine remarks. (standard.co.uk)