The Grammy-winning rapper will launch the European run in Dublin before stops in Paris and London, with proceeds benefiting organizations providing humanitarian and other support to Palestinians
American rapper Macklemore has announced a new series of benefit concerts called the “Free Palestine Tour,” less than two weeks after his removal from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks onstage.
The first three concerts are scheduled for Dublin’s 3Arena on October 26, Paris’ Accor Arena on October 29 and OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 30. Additional cities, including dates in the United States, are expected to be announced later.
Macklemore said the concerts will bring together other artists and friends, although the complete lineup has not yet been announced. Organizers say proceeds will go to organizations involved in humanitarian assistance, medical care, education, advocacy and other forms of support for Palestinians.
Announcement Follows Controversy on Sheeran Tour
The new tour follows a dispute that began after Macklemore appeared as an opening act for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4.
During his performance, Macklemore voiced support for Palestinians and called for a “Free Palestine.” He also said his message centered on peace, dignity, respect and equal treatment for people.
Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining U.S. dates.
Sheeran has said the decision was not his personally, attributing it to the tour’s U.S. promoter after venues objected to Macklemore’s continued participation. Sheeran said he attempted to work with the venues to resolve the situation.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, publicly said he would not allow Macklemore to perform at the venue, citing what Kraft characterized as the rapper’s history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore has rejected accusations that his advocacy for Palestinians is antisemitic.
Several other acts subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s U.S. tour, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.
Macklemore Says Artists Face New Expectations
In announcing the new concerts, Macklemore argued that expectations surrounding artists and political engagement have changed significantly over the past several years.
He said there has been what he views as a “collective awakening” around Palestinian rights and growing scrutiny of powerful people and institutions that determine who is given access to major entertainment platforms.
Macklemore also argued that artists increasingly face pressure from audiences to educate themselves about major humanitarian and political issues and use their public platforms beyond entertainment.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” Macklemore said, adding that people should pay attention when wealthy individuals can influence which voices appear on major stages.
Those comments represent Macklemore’s own political position. His characterization of the Gaza conflict and his allegations about attempts to silence him remain part of a broader and highly contested debate over Israel, Gaza, antisemitism, Palestinian advocacy and freedom of expression in the entertainment industry.
Sheeran Addresses Gaza and Free-Speech Controversy
Sheeran later addressed the controversy during a September concert in Philadelphia.
He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while also condemning the October 7 attacks in Israel. He said he had never intended to become an activist musician but acknowledged that the dispute had placed him in the middle of a contentious debate over politics and freedom of expression.
The singer maintained that he wanted his concerts to remain places where people with different political perspectives could come together through music.
Concert Proceeds Going to Palestinian Causes
According to organizers, beneficiaries of Macklemore’s concerts will include organizations working in humanitarian relief, health care, education, community assistance and advocacy connected to Palestinians.
The organizations announced so far include Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Heal Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Middle East Children’s Alliance and other groups.
Macklemore has previously connected his music to Palestinian humanitarian fundraising. He released the protest song “Hind’s Hall” in 2024 and pledged proceeds from the track to Palestinian relief efforts.
The newly announced concerts now turn the controversy surrounding his departure from Sheeran’s tour into a separate international stage for his activism.
The Dublin, Paris and London dates represent only the beginning of the planned run. Macklemore says additional performers and cities will be revealed as arrangements are finalized, with North American dates also under development.
By The Haitian Tribune Staff | September 24, 2026
