Macklemore has announced a Free Palestine European tour, set to begin next month, following his removal from Ed Sheeran's US tour after comments he made on stage in New Jersey.
The fallout from his departure saw other support acts leave Ed Sheeran's LOOP Tour in support of Macklemore's stance.
Tour dates and beneficiaries
Dates in Dublin, London and Paris have already been announced, with more cities and dates to be revealed in the coming weeks, including in the United States. The shows will bring together Macklemore and special guests for performances that centre Palestine and Palestinians, and help provide humanitarian aid and support to the movement.
All proceeds from the concerts will benefit organisations such as Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine and Palestinian Youth Movement. Other charities 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
Macklemore shared a statement on Instagram following the announcement. He said: "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 went on: "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."
He jokingly said his schedule has "freed up a bit," giving him time to sort this tour. The musician added: "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
After Macklemore was removed from Ed's tour, the Castle On The Hill star tried to distance himself from any part in the decision. Ed said: "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."
He added that it was not his choice to drop Macklemore and instead said it was the promoters' choice, insisting: "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.
