American rapper Macklemore has announced a new “Free Palestine” tour, days after he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following comments in support of Palestinians.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced the tour on Thursday, saying all proceeds would go to organisations supporting Palestinians.
“So, as you all know, my schedule freed up a bit,” the rapper said while announcing the tour.
The first dates are scheduled for Dublin on October 26, Paris on October 29 and London on October 30. Macklemore said additional United States dates would be announced, with tickets expected to go on sale the following week. RTE reported the announced European dates.
Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
The announcement follows Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour on September 14, after remarks he made while performing as an opening act at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4.
During the performance, Macklemore said he wanted to use his platform to speak about Palestinian liberation before declaring, “Free Palestine.” He also performed “Hind’s Hall,” a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University.
The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues had indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform, which could have led to the cancellation of the tour. Sheeran later said the promoter made the decision, while acknowledging that he had made mistakes in handling the fallout.
Macklemore accused stadium owners of working together to silence him. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, said Macklemore’s appearances would cross a line because of what Kraft called hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.
Rapper Says Dispute Goes Beyond One Artist
Macklemore said his experience over the past few weeks had demonstrated what he described as growing awareness of Palestinian liberation, the influence of wealthy individuals and the role of artists in speaking on contentious issues.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” he said, arguing that the ability of wealthy individuals to influence which voices are heard publicly should concern people.
He added that he had spent the past week contacting artists who had publicly supported Palestinians despite possible professional consequences.
“Due to how quickly the tour came together, there are still several details being worked out,” Macklemore said, adding that he believed there was “momentum” around the issue.
All proceeds from the announced tour dates are set to benefit organisations supporting Palestinians. Macklemore has also said his net earnings from Sheeran’s Loop Tour would be donated to humanitarian organisations.
Support Acts Withdraw From Sheeran Tour
The dispute also affected Sheeran’s tour, with his listed support acts withdrawing in solidarity with Macklemore and some fans expressing frustration.
Sheeran addressed the controversy during a performance in Philadelphia, saying he had made mistakes in handling the fallout.
The British singer described the Israel-Gaza conflict as a humanitarian issue. He condemned the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, as horrific and described Israel’s actions in Gaza as unjustifiable and disproportionate.
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