Macklemore has announced a Free Palestine tour with three European performances next month, following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. The concerts in Dublin (October 26), Paris (October 29), and London (October 30) will direct all proceeds to humanitarian organizations supporting Palestinian communities.
The announcement comes after the Grammy-winning rapper was dropped from Sheeran’s tour following onstage remarks that included calls for a Free Palestine during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore confirmed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was among those who pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour after his remarks.
In a statement on Instagram, Macklemore wrote: “What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention.” He added that the tour reflects “a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation” and the expectation for artists to take political stances.
All proceeds from the concerts will benefit multiple organizations, including Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA.
Background: The Controversy and Removal
Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour followed his onstage statements during two New Jersey concerts, where he performed his song “Hind’s Hall” and delivered remarks addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict. Sheeran later issued a statement acknowledging that Kraft and other stadium owners had contacted him, leading to Macklemore’s exclusion from remaining tour dates.
In response to his removal, Macklemore announced he would donate his $1 million salary from the canceled tour dates to organizations supporting Palestine. He framed the decision as part of a broader shift in expectations for artists to engage with political issues, stating: “It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.”
Reactions and Broader Impact
The situation has drawn public responses from multiple artists. Jordan Stephens, a longtime friend of Sheeran and member of the band Rizzle Kicks, criticized Sheeran’s handling of the controversy in a podcast interview. Stephens stated that Sheeran’s response was “unacceptable” and described his use of the term “conflict” in reference to Gaza as “appalling.” Other figures, including Charlotte Church and Roger Waters, have also publicly criticized Sheeran’s approach.
In contrast, Macklemore’s decision to proceed with the Free Palestine tour has been framed by supporters as a stand against censorship and a commitment to humanitarian causes. The tour’s announcement has prompted discussions about the role of artists in political movements and the influence of financial stakeholders in artistic decisions.
Tour Details and Future Plans
The Free Palestine tour will feature Macklemore “and friends” and is expected to expand with additional U.S. dates in the future. Ticket presales began on Monday at 10 a.m. local time via Macklemore’s official website. The concerts aim to raise funds for organizations providing aid to Palestinian communities, with a focus on humanitarian relief and advocacy.
Macklemore emphasized that the tour represents a broader movement, stating: “People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment.”