American rapper Macklemore announced a upcoming “Free Palestine” concert series following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour lineup after shouting slogans on stage. The artist criticized what he termed the billionaire class for attempting to restrict artistic expression and silence dissent regarding the conflict in the Middle East.
Tour Launch and Schedule Details
Macklemore’s solidarity tour is scheduled to open on October 26 in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to Paris, France, and London, England, with future dates planned in the United States. Tickets are set to go on sale the week following the announcement. The rapper stated in a public announcement that while the tour came together quickly, he felt compelled to act as global advocacy for Palestine faces increased scrutiny and suppression. The series aims to bring together artists willing to risk professional consequences to voice support for Palestine.
Tour Removal and Industry Fallout
The tour announcement follows Macklemore’s appearance on October 5 in New Jersey, where he served as a warm-up act for Ed Sheeran and shouted “Free Palestine” from the stage. Following objections from multiple venues, tour organizers removed Macklemore from Sheeran’s supporting lineup. Sheeran subsequently clarified that the decision to replace him came from the tour promoters rather than the British singer himself. The controversy quickly expanded as other acts altered their tour plans. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe both withdrew as scheduled opening acts for upcoming U.S. dates, while Irish folk group Beoga cancelled a planned collaboration with Sheeran. Separately, Finneas O’Connell, brother and musical partner of Billie Eilish, cancelled his planned participation in a South American tour leg.
