Macklemore launches Free Palestine concerts after being dropped from Ed Sheeran tour
Macklemore announced a series of charity shows in Dublin, Paris and London after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour over pro-Palestine remarks.
After voicing support for Palestine at Ed Sheeran’s New Jersey concerts, Macklemore was removed from the Loop tour, prompting opening acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the Irish group Beoga to withdraw in his defense. The rapper used his newly available dates to announce free concerts in Dublin, Paris and London, with ticket revenue directed to organisations assisting the Palestinian people. He framed the shows as part of a broader “collective awakening” around Palestinian one outlet.
Ed Sheeran, confronting the backlash, delivered a televised apology in Philadelphia, describing the past week as one of the toughest of his career and reaffirming his commitment to the tour despite the departures. The dispute has sparked debate over artists’ roles in political discourse and the influence of venue owners such as Robert Kraft, who barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium.
Why it matters
The clash highlights how political statements can reshape concert line-ups and spark wider debates about free speech in entertainment.
How this story developed
- Sep 19 Ed Sheeran faces protests and lineup changes ahead of Philadelphia concert
- Sep 20 Macklemore’s removal from the tour led to a planned protest outside the Philadelphia show.
- Sep 20 Sheeran addressed the Philadelphia audience, saying he was sorry and wanted the shows to focus on music rather than politics.
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