Macklemore ends Free Palestine tour with sold‑out Wembley show
The US rapper addressed a crowd of over 12,500 at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, reiterating his pro‑Palestine stance after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Macklemore concluded his Free Palestine tour on 30 October 2026 with a sold‑out performance at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, speaking to more than 12,500 fans about the Israel‑Palestine conflict.
What happened
The concert featured the rapper alongside special guests Paloma Faith, Aja Monet, Vic Mensa, Nemahsis, Lucas Jones and Cure for Paranoia. The audience responded with chants of “Free Palestine” after Macklemore delivered a speech that emphasized the humanity of children in Gaza.
What the reports add
- The Independent noted that Macklemore said, “I don’t believe that staying silent is brave,” and that remaining silent felt “more uncomfortable” than speaking out.
- The Standard reported that he described scrolling through “the horrific, unimaginable catastrophe” in Gaza before taking the stage.
- Both outlets recorded that Macklemore referenced 50 members of the House of Lords who urged a ban on the show, saying the story is about equality for all humans.
- Guest speakers who appeared remotely included Greta Thunberg, Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, Cynthia Nixon and Julian Casablancas.
- All proceeds from the London, Dublin and Paris concerts will be donated to twelve Palestinian humanitarian organisations providing medical care, education and relief.
What was said
“I don’t believe that staying silent is brave.”
“It was more uncomfortable for me to stay silent than to say something.”
“I don’t believe that saying something is brave. I don’t believe that saying something is courageous. I believe that saying something is human.”
“Those children in Gaza are our children. There is no separation.”
Paloma Faith added, “It’s scary to be in the public eye and to come out and say and stand up at these things. But it’s not as scary as what would happen if we didn’t do it.”
Greta Thunberg warned, “Do not for one second think that you have done enough by attending a benefit concert or by donating money, because the occupation will not end by philanthropy and slogans.”
How it came about
The London show followed a three‑city European leg that began in Dublin on 26 October, where Macklemore performed with Hozier, Kneecap, Beoga and other Irish acts, pledging proceeds to twelve Palestinian humanitarian organisations. The tour was launched after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in September for publicly supporting Palestine, a decision that prompted several artists—including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—to leave Sheeran’s tour in solidarity.
Key facts
- Macklemore performed at OVO Arena Wembley on 30 Oct 2026 to a sold‑out crowd of over 12,500. (independent.co.uk)
- He reiterated that staying silent about Gaza was not brave, calling speaking out a human act. (standard.co.uk)
- Paloma Faith joined him onstage and expressed support for his stance. (standard.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-09-30 — Macklemore announced Free Palestine tour after removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
- 2026-10-26 — Sold‑out benefit concert in Dublin's 3Arena, proceeds pledged to Palestinian charities.
- 2026-10-30 — London Wembley Arena show concluded the tour.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] standard.co.uk
