Macklemore turned the controversy that led to his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour into the starting point for a new project. On September 24, the American rapper announced the “Free Palestine Tour,” a series of concerts that will begin in Europe, with proceeds going to organizations that support the Palestinian people.
The announcement comes just a few weeks after Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour in the United States, following his public statements about Palestine during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The new tour will initially have three stops: Dublin, Paris, and London, with additional dates—including some in the United States—still to be announced.
Macklemore Announces His Own Tour After Leaving Ed Sheeran’s Tour
The first date of the Free Palestine Tour will be on October 26 at the 3Arena in Dublin. Macklemore will then head to Paris on October 29 and wrap up this first leg of the European tour on October 30 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London.
The project is billed as “Macklemore & Friends,” though the guest artists have not yet been announced.
The rapper also confirmed that there will be more concerts. Dates for the United States are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later time.
Confirmed Dates for the Free Palestine Tour
| City | Fecha | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇪 Dublín | October 26 | 3Arena |
| 🇫🇷 París | October 29 | Accor Arena |
| 🇬🇧 Londres | October 30 | OVO Arena Wembley |
| 🇺🇸 Estados Unidos | To be announced | To be announced |
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
The new tour stems directly from the controversy involving Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s tour.
On September 4, during his performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the rapper spoke about Palestine before performing “Hind’s Hall,” a song he released in 2024 following pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. universities.
Macklemore reiterated his support for the Palestinian people during another performance at the same venue. Subsequently, he was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
The promoter, Messina Touring Group, explained that some stadium owners had stated they would not allow the concerts to take place if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
One such case was Gillette Stadium, whose owner, Robert Kraft, confirmed that he had decided not to allow the rapper to perform at the venue. Kraft cited what he described as a history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery on Macklemore’s part.
Macklemore, for his part, claimed that Kraft had pressured other stadium owners. That claim has not been confirmed by either Kraft or Sheeran. Sheeran said the decision to remove the rapper was made by the promoter and the venues.
The concerts will raise funds for pro-Palestinian organizations
One of the main new features of this project is its financial purpose.
Macklemore announced that proceeds from the concerts will go to organizations that support the Palestinian people. Among the organizations mentioned are Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA, as well as others.
The announcement comes after the artist himself announced a donation of $1 million—equivalent to his net earnings from the performances he managed to complete during the Loop Tour—to organizations supporting the Palestinians.
“My schedule opened up a bit”
Macklemore also used the announcement to address what happened with Sheeran’s tour.
In his post, he explained that, after his schedule cleared up a bit, he began reaching out to artists who had used their own stages to express solidarity with Palestine.
The rapper presented the new tour as a response to the debate over the role of musicians when they use their platforms to speak out on political and humanitarian issues.
Among his remarks, Macklemore stated that “being apolitical during a genocide” is no longer an option—a stance that reflects his own interpretation of the conflict and the role of artists.
Macklemore Prepares for a New Chapter
The situation that began with an opening act performance ended up leading Macklemore to a completely different stage: now he will be the one headlining a tour built around his stance on Palestine.
Few details of the Free Palestine Tour have been finalized yet, but it already includes three European dates and the promise of additional shows.
For the Seattle-based rapper, the next chapter of this story will no longer involve appearing as a guest of another star. He’ll be headlining the tour under his own name.
“My schedule opened up a bit”
Macklemore also used the announcement to address what happened with Sheeran’s tour.
In his post, he explained that, after his schedule cleared up a bit, he began reaching out to artists who had used their own stages to express solidarity with Palestine.
The rapper presented the new tour as a response to the debate over the role of musicians when they use their platforms to speak out on political and humanitarian issues.
Among his remarks, Macklemore stated that “being apolitical during a genocide” is no longer an option—a stance that reflects his own interpretation of the conflict and the role of artists.
Macklemore Prepares for a New Chapter
The situation that began with an opening act performance ended up leading Macklemore to a completely different stage: now he will be the one headlining a tour built around his stance on Palestine.
Few details of the Free Palestine Tour have been finalized yet, but it already includes three European dates and the promise of additional shows.
For the Seattle-based rapper, the next chapter of this story will no longer involve appearing as a guest of another star. He’ll be headlining the tour under his own name.
