Macklemore launches Dublin Free Palestine show as Jack Antonoff slams Ed Sheeran
The rapper performed to 13,000 fans and pledged all proceeds to humanitarian groups, as Jack Antonoff accused Ed Sheeran of bowing to stadium owner Robert Kraft.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Macklemore opened his sold‑out Free Palestine tour at Dublin’s 3Arena on 27 October, performing for a crowd of about 13,000, while Grammy‑winning producer Jack Antonoff publicly rebuked Ed Sheeran for giving in to billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft’s pressure.
What happened
The Dublin concert featured guest appearances by Irish singer Hozier, Belfast rap trio Kneecap, folk band Beoga and actor Liam Cunningham, with video messages from Mark Ruffalo and others. Macklemore said all proceeds from the three‑date European leg – Dublin, Paris and London – will be donated to twelve humanitarian organisations supporting Palestinians, including Medical Aid for Palestinians. He also announced a $1 million donation from his net earnings to six Palestinian aid groups and challenged Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match the amount.
What the reports add
- Independent.co.uk confirmed the Dublin show was sold out, drawing a 13,000‑strong audience, and noted the same for the Paris and London dates.
- The outlet reported that the tour’s proceeds would go to a dozen aid groups.
- Antonoff’s interview with The Guardian, cited by Independent.co.uk, named Robert Kraft as the billionaire whose objections led to Macklemore’s removal.
- Context Pack [1] recorded that the tour sold out instantly after announcement and that Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and backing band Beoga left Sheeran’s tour in solidarity.
- Context Pack [4] noted that Ed Sheeran added Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser as new opening acts on 9 October after Macklemore’s removal.
What was said
"Deeply human," Antonoff told The Guardian describing Macklemore’s remarks.
He added that Sheeran “missed an opportunity to stand up to billionaires.”
(Independent.co.uk)
How it came about
The tour was announced after Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in September following pro‑Palestine statements on stage, a move prompted by pressure from billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft and which led Sheeran’s entire remaining support lineup and backing band to withdraw in solidarity. The fallout spurred other artists—including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the folk group Beoga—to quit the tour, and Sheeran later apologized to fans for the handling of the row. Subsequent developments included Sheeran’s addition of new opening acts Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser on 9 October and Macklemore’s Red Rocks performance on 22 October, where he again called for a free Palestine.
Key facts
- Macklemore performed to a sold‑out crowd of about 13,000 at Dublin’s 3Arena. (independent.co.uk)
- All proceeds from the three‑date European tour will be donated to twelve Palestinian humanitarian organisations. (independent.co.uk)
- Jack Antonoff criticised Ed Sheeran for yielding to pressure from billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-09-16 — Macklemore announced a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid groups after being removed from Sheeran’s tour.
- 2026-09-25 — Macklemore launched the Free Palestine tour, announcing dates in Dublin, Paris and London.
- 2026-09-30 — All three tour dates sold out instantly.
- 2026-10-09 — Ed Sheeran added new opening acts Isaac Slade and Brooks Rosser after Macklemore’s removal.
- 2026-10-22 — Macklemore paused his Red Rocks concert to repeat pro‑Palestine messages.
- 2026-10-27 — Macklemore opened the Dublin leg of the tour; Jack Antonoff criticised Ed Sheeran.
