Macklemore announces Free Palestine Tour after Ed Sheeran fallout - USA Today
Macklemore is turning his recent tour controversy into a new slate of benefit concerts.
The Grammy-winning rapper announced on Instagramβ Thursday, Sept. 24, that he will launch the Free Palestine Tour, beginning with three European arena shows in October. Additional performances, including dates in the United States, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"So, as you all know, my schedule freed up a bit," Macklemore wrote, referencing his recent removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
"If these last couple of weeks have shown us anything, it's that something has shifted over the last three years. There has been a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation, the power of billionaires that try to censor that call, and what we expect from artists right now," Macklemore began his statement.
Due to how quickly the tour was organized, Macklemore prefaced that some details around the tour are still being sorted through.
The initial concerts are scheduled for Oct. 26 at Dublin's 3Arena, Oct. 29 at Paris' Accor Arena and Oct. 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London. Artists joining Macklemore have not yet been revealed.
An artist presale is set to begin Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. local time, with general ticket sales opening Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. local time, according to MCD Productionsβ . Fans can register for early access through Macklemore's websiteβ .
All proceeds from the concerts will benefit 12 organizations supporting Palestinians through medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, advocacy and community programs. The beneficiaries include Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children's Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children's Relief Fund and UNRWA USA, according to the 3Arena event announcementβ .
Macklemore said he had spent the previous week contacting artists who have publicly supported Palestinians and are willing to use their platforms despite possible professional consequences. He said the shows would center Palestinians while raising money for humanitarian assistance.
"It's 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore. People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment. To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it," Macklemore continued in his statement.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Macklemore was removed as an opening act from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour. Macklemore had performed his pro-Palestinian song "Hind's Hall" and said "Free Palestine" while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues scheduled to host upcoming shows would not allow the concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.
Sheeran later said the choice to remove Macklemore "was not my decision"β and attributed it to the promoter. The dispute also drew New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, into the controversy.
In his statement, Kraft defended barring Macklemore from Gillette Stadium over rhetoric he considered antisemitic but offered to meet with the rapper, saying they shared the goal of ending suffering and hate.
Macklemore has rejected accusations that his statements were directed at Jewish people, saying his criticism concerns the Israeli government and its treatment of Palestinians. His support for Palestinians has also generated controversy before the Sheeran tour, including backlash over his performances, protest music and public comments.
"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," Macklemore said in his statement.
