Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has announced a 'Free Palestine' tour following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance in early September. The artist, known for hits like 'Thrift Shop,' revealed the tour’s launch in Dublin on 26 October, with proceeds earmarked for Palestinian advocacy groups. The decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was attributed to Sheeran’s promoter, not the singer himself, after the rapper’s onstage remarks and subsequent backlash. 'What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,' Macklemore stated, emphasizing a 'collective awakening' around Palestinian liberation and criticism of 'billionaires that try to censor that call.'
The fallout from Macklemore’s comments led to the withdrawal of support acts from Sheeran’s tour, though the British singer clarified the removal was not his decision. Macklemore, who spent the past week connecting with artists advocating for Palestinian rights, described the tour as a response to what he called 'a moment of momentum.' The itinerary includes dates in Dublin (26 October), Paris (29 October), and London (30 October, with U.S. dates to be announced). He also highlighted the urgency of the cause, stating, 'There is work to be done,' as details of the tour remain in development. 'When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage... everyone should be paying attention,' he added in a Thursday statement.
During a 1 September concert in New Jersey, Macklemore, then serving as an opening act for Sheeran, declared his intent to 'stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine.' He later performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, which drew criticism. Following his removal from the Loop Tour on 14 September, Macklemore accused stadium owners of colluding to silence him. Billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft later alleged the rapper made 'hate speech' and 'antisemitic rhetoric' related to Israel and Gaza, though no direct quotes from Kraft were included in the original report.
Macklemore’s tour announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of artists’ political stances, particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The rapper’s decision to prioritize Palestinian advocacy over touring with Sheeran underscores the growing tension between artistic expression and corporate interests. While the promoter’s role in his exit remains central to the narrative, Macklemore’s focus on 'Palestinian liberation' reflects broader conversations about accountability and free speech in the entertainment industry. The tour’s emphasis on 'momentum' and 'work to be done' suggests a sustained commitment to the cause, even as logistical details are finalized.