Macklemore’s recently announced tour aimed at supporting Palestinians saw all three shows quickly sell out, the artist confirmed. The tour, named the Free Palestine tour, includes October performances in Dublin, Paris, and London. While the specific lineup for the shows has not been disclosed, Macklemore mentioned that the performances will feature him “and friends,” with more details on the way.
The decision to embark on the three-show European tour came after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour lineup. Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response, Macklemore emphasized the importance of musicians standing in solidarity with Palestine and using their platform to raise funds and showcase collective action.
The tour, organized in partnership with Live Nation, will benefit various Palestinian aid organizations, such as Gaza Soup Kitchen, Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, and UNRWA USA. Despite inquiries about potential Canadian shows, Macklemore’s representatives have not provided any details.
The tour’s genesis lies in Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian stance, which has been evident in his public statements over the years. The decision to drop Macklemore from Sheeran’s tour was influenced by venue owners threatening to cancel Sheeran’s shows if Macklemore continued as the opening act, according to a statement from Messina Touring Group.
Following the controversy, Sheeran acknowledged the situation at his Philadelphia show, expressing his reluctance to be embroiled in activism. Notably, all other openers, including his backing band, withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity. Ultimately, severe weather forced the cancellation of the shows at Gillette Stadium.