Macklemore has announced a new tour titled the Free Palestine Tour, following his controversial removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour due to his outspoken support for Palestinian rights. The renowned rapper, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, recently performed three sold-out shows in Europe, fundraising for organisations that aid Palestinians. However, he has voiced his frustration over the refusal of nine major U.S. venues to host his benefit tour.
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In an emotional Instagram post on November 6, Macklemore shared his reflections from the successful European leg of his tour, which included concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London. He described these performances as among the most profound experiences of his career, emphasizing the sense of unity and purpose they instilled in him. “Thank you to everyone who shared in those nights of joy, love, and resistance,” he expressed, highlighting the impact of collective action for a cause greater than individual interests.
Despite the excitement surrounding his European shows, Macklemore’s plans to bring the Free Palestine Tour to the United States have hit a significant snag. He revealed that notable venues including Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center, and others have declined to host his performances due to their political nature. This marked a disappointing turn, as Macklemore had previously been in discussions with these arenas for potential dates by the end of 2026. “Once they learned these were my benefit shows for Palestine, those dates were suddenly off the table,” he lamented.
The rapper characterised the refusal as unprecedented in his two decades of touring. His frustrations were compounded by a statement from Madison Square Garden’s representatives, asserting that they had limited availability and questioning Macklemore’s status as an “arena level act.” This response has raised eyebrows, given the considerable draw of Macklemore’s music and fanbase.
Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour comes as a direct response to his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour after making supportive statements for Palestine during a performance. Shortly after this incident, he announced his benefit tour, emphasising the importance of political activism in the current global landscape, stating, “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.” He encouraged artists to utilise their platforms for advocacy, rather than mere entertainment.
In a separate comment addressing the controversy, Ed Sheeran clarified his lack of control over the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour. He stressed that the contractual relationship was between Macklemore and the promoter, not himself. During a concert shortly after, Sheeran expressed his deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, citing the trauma endured by Jewish communities and the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
While navigating this tumultuous period, Macklemore stated his desire for a future where advocating for Palestine is not deemed controversial. He expressed a wish for a reality in which artists prioritise freedom of speech and the broader struggle for liberation over commercial interests. Furthermore, he reassured his followers that the Free Palestine Tour would continue, albeit potentially in alternative formats or locations.
Looking forward, Macklemore indicated that there would be further shows in support of Palestine, hinting at the possibility of taking his message outdoors. “We’ll keep working with other artists and organisers, continuing where we left off in Europe,” he promised, demonstrating his determination to promote awareness and support for the cause.
As Macklemore navigates the complexities of free speech and artistic expression within the context of a divisive political landscape, his Free Palestine Tour has ignited discussions about the role of artists in activism. The response to his tour announcement reflects broader societal tensions regarding political expression in music and the implications of corporate interests in the arts.
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