US rapper Macklemore has expressed his gratitude to supporters of his Free Palestine tour, saying he has “endless love” for those who attended the opening night, before his performance in Paris on Thursday.
The 43-year-old, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, said he “couldn't have imagined a better place to begin this tour” after Monday night's sold-out show at the 3Arena in Dublin. The concerts were announced last month after he was dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour over comments he made about Gaza.
Opening Night in Dublin
On Thursday, Macklemore shared a post on Instagram celebrating the start of the tour, just hours before his performance at Paris's Accor Arena. “I couldn't have imagined a better place to begin this tour,” he wrote. “I don't think any of us knew exactly how much we needed it.”
He added: “Endless love to every single person who showed up, all the artists who donated their time and made the decision to step up, and everyone who fought so hard over the last five weeks to make it happen. Free Palestine.”
The message accompanied a video of the concert featuring many famous faces who joined him onstage, including Irish stars such as singer Hozier, rap trio Kneecap and actor Liam Cunningham.
Guest Appearances and Upcoming Shows
Palestinian-Israeli singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, hip-hop duo Dead Prez and activist Nadia Greenspan were also involved in the concert. Other celebrity guests included folk band Beoga, who were among Sheeran's supporting acts that dropped out of his Loop tour following the controversy.
Macklemore also shared a post to his story with information ahead of Thursday's concert, which promised a “fully new line-up”. “Don't miss a minute,” he added.
The musician, known for hits such as Thrift Shop and Same Love, opened Monday's show with a passionate speech addressing his public support for Palestine amid the conflict with Israel. The sentiment was echoed by his celebrity guests, including Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo, who told the crowd to “keep fighting for a free Palestine and for humanity all over the world” as he appeared via video.
Tour Finale and Proceeds
After his show in the French capital, Macklemore will perform his final Free Palestine gig at London's OVO Arena Wembley on October 30. The Grammy-winning musician previously said the gigs “sold out immediately” after going on sale last month.
The shows aim to bring together artists and friends to help provide humanitarian aid and support for people in Palestine. All proceeds from the concerts will go towards a number of organisations working in support of Palestinian people with medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support and advocacy.
Those organisations include Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, Heal Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, 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.
