Macklemore has announced a Free Palestine European tour, which includes a stop in Ireland, following his controversial departure from Ed Sheeran's US LOOP tour amid a heated dispute over his political statements.
The American rapper, who was axed from the tour after comments made during a New Jersey performance which denounced Israel's attacks on Gaza, will launch a series of concerts next month as a demonstration of support for Palestinians.
Tour dates and beneficiaries
The gigs will feature Macklemore alongside numerous special guests and aim to generate funds for humanitarian causes, with organisers emphasising that Palestinian voices and experiences will take centre stage, according to The Mirror.
Dublin has been confirmed as one of three cities on the initial announcement, alongside London and Paris, with additional venues and dates set to be revealed in coming weeks. American tour dates are also anticipated to be added.
All revenue from the performances will go towards organisations including Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine and Palestinian Youth Movement. Further charities set to benefit include Middle East Children's Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children's Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.
Macklemore's statement
In a statement shared on Instagram, Macklemore declared: "If these last couple of weeks have shown us anything, it's that something has shifted over the last three years. There has been a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation, the power of billionaires that try to censor that call, and what we expect from artists right now."
"It's 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore. People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment. To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it."
He continued: "What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention."
The rapper quipped that his schedule had been "freed up a bit" after his tour exit, enabling him to arrange these performances.
"I've spent the last week reaching out to artists who have shown up and used their stages to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences.
"Artists who understand that our platforms mean very little if we're only willing to use them when it's safe. Because of how quickly all of this has come together, a lot of the conversations, schedules and details are still being worked out. But this is a moment of momentum, and there is work to be done. So we're going on tour."
Ed Sheeran's response
Ed Sheeran seemingly attempted to separate himself from the choice to remove Macklemore from his tour, addressing an audience: "I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy."
"There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.
"After Macklemore's performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.
"I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.
"One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final."
Ed has since returned to the stage as a one-man band and was in tears on his first appearance back as he addressed the situation.
