US rapper Macklemore on October 26 launched his 'Free Palestine Tour' in Dublin, Ireland, after being dropped as a supporting act by British pop star Ed Sheeran over pro-Palestinian comments made during a September 2025 concert in New Jersey.
The tour’s first show at 3Arena sold out within minutes, with fans outside the venue purchasing Palestinian flags, keffiyeh scarves, and half-Irish half-Palestinian flags. Macklemore’s set included a Palestinian flag waved throughout, and he stated on stage: 'We will continue to fight for collective liberation until our last breath.'
Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s US tour after shouting 'Free Palestine!' during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and telling Palestinians they were 'not forgotten.' Sheeran later stated that the decision was made by tour promoters, not him, but faced backlash from musicians and activists. Four other supporting artists, including Finneas, also withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the situation in Gaza during a concert in Philadelphia, calling the conflict 'unjustifiable and disproportionate.' Macklemore announced his 'Free Palestine Tour' last month, with proceeds benefiting pro-Palestinian organizations. Shows in London and Paris were scheduled for late October, followed by US dates.
Industry reaction and broader debate
Grammy-winning producer Jack Antonoff, who has collaborated with Taylor Swift and others, criticized Sheeran in an interview with The Guardian. Antonoff stated that Sheeran missed an opportunity to cancel his tour rather than comply with promoter demands, saying: 'Stand the fk up.'** Antonoff, who is Jewish, also noted that he had been saying 'Free Palestine' at his own concerts before the controversy.
Irish artists, including Hozier, performed in support of Macklemore at the Dublin concert. Fans outside the venue echoed sentiments of solidarity, with one attendee stating: 'He’s risking his popularity, his future, his family’s future—everything just for peace.'
Context and background
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about artists’ political speech and the influence of venue owners and promoters on tour decisions. Macklemore’s tour follows his public advocacy for Palestinian rights, which has drawn both praise and criticism. The conflict in Gaza remains a polarizing issue globally, with high-profile figures increasingly taking public stances on the matter.