Macklemore Launches Free Palestine Tour After Ed Sheeran Exit
After being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro‑Palestine remarks, Macklemore is kicking off a Free Palestine Tour. The rapper will perform in Dublin, Paris and London, with all proceeds supporting Palestinian organizations. The move follows a broader backlash against Sheeran’s decision and hig…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Macklemore, the American hip‑hop artist known for hits like “Thrift Shop,” has announced a new three‑city tour titled the Free Palestine Tour. The shows will take place in Dublin on October 26, Paris on October 29, and London on October 30, and every ticket sale will be donated to charities that aid Palestinians.
Why the Tour Was Born
The tour came in the wake of Macklemore’s sudden removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour. The rapper had been slated to open for the British singer at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, but Sheeran’s management decided to drop him after Macklemore made pro‑Palestine comments during a performance earlier in the tour. According to Macklemore, the decision was influenced by Robert Kraft, the CEO of the Kraft Group that owns the stadium, who allegedly called Sheeran to request the removal.
Sheeran later stated that the choice was a promoter’s decision and that he did not want to engage in a public debate about the Gaza conflict. The fallout was swift: other opening acts withdrew, and protestors gathered outside the first concert where Macklemore was absent.
Building Momentum for Palestinian Liberation
In a statement released on Thursday, Macklemore said, “If these last couple of weeks have shown us anything, it’s that something has shifted over the last three years.” He added that there has been a “collective awakening around Palestinian liberation” and that artists now have a responsibility to speak out. The rapper emphasized that the issue transcends a single artist or stage, pointing out that “the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear.”
He also announced that he will donate $1 million from his earnings on Sheeran’s tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. Macklemore invited Kraft to match the donation, and Kraft confirmed that Sheeran had asked him to match his own $2 million donation, though it remains unclear whether the funds were transferred.
Logistics and Ticketing
Tickets for the Free Palestine Tour will go on presale on September 28 at 10 a.m. local time, with general sale following on September 30. Macklemore is also set to perform a solo show on October 22 at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The venue had originally announced the concert in March, but demand surged after the Sheeran controversy, leading to a resale market that now starts at $220 for general admission.
While the Red Rocks show has sold out, the free Palestine tour’s ticket prices have not yet been disclosed, but all proceeds will go to Palestinian charities. Fans can expect a lineup of “friends” who will be announced later, potentially including other artists sympathetic to the cause.
Broader Implications for Artists and the Music Industry
The incident underscores the growing tension between artists’ political statements and the commercial interests of promoters and venue owners. Macklemore’s experience highlights how quickly a performer’s schedule can change when a controversial stance is taken, and how fans are reacting to the intersection of music and activism.
Ed Sheeran’s response to the controversy included an apology to fans and a statement that he was “making mistakes.” He also clarified his own position on the Israel‑Palestine conflict, describing the events in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the role of musicians in political discourse and the responsibilities of the music industry to support or suppress certain viewpoints.
What Happens Next?
As Macklemore prepares to launch the Free Palestine Tour, he remains in contact with potential collaborators and is working out the details of the shows. The tour’s success will depend on ticket sales and the support of the broader fan base. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran continues to unfold, with fans and activists monitoring how the situation develops and whether other artists will face similar repercussions for their political views.
For now, the Free Palestine Tour represents a bold statement by an artist willing to risk commercial opportunities for a cause he believes in, and it may set a precedent for how musicians navigate political activism in the modern music landscape.
Key facts
- Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after pro‑Palestine remarks
- He launched a Free Palestine Tour in Dublin, Paris, and London
- All proceeds will benefit Palestinian charities
- The incident sparked debate over artists’ political freedom and promoter influence
- Ed Sheeran apologized and clarified his stance on the conflict
- Macklemore plans a $1 million donation to Palestinian organizations
Why it matters
Macklemore’s tour highlights the increasing influence of artists in political advocacy and the potential consequences of speaking out in a highly commercial industry.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
He made pro‑Palestine comments during a performance, leading to a decision by the promoter and venue owner to drop him.
Where will the Free Palestine Tour take place?
The shows are scheduled for Dublin on October 26, Paris on October 29, and London on October 30.
What will happen to the ticket sales?
All proceeds from the shows will be donated to organizations supporting Palestinians.
Will Macklemore perform solo after the tour?
Yes, he will perform a solo show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 22.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Macklemore announces Free Palestine tour in wake of Ed Sheeran controversy”
