Macklemore has announced that his "Free Palestine" tour, organized in response to his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian statements, has sold out immediately. The rapper shared on Instagram that all three shows in Dublin, Paris, and London sold out swiftly, expressing his astonishment at the response. "I’m honestly blown away," Macklemore stated, emphasizing his belief that "musicians can stand in solidarity with Palestine, use the stage to raise funds and show what collective action can look like."
The controversy began earlier this month when Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks on stage, leading to his exit from the remainder of Ed Sheeran's shows. In solidarity, Sheeran's opening acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, as well as his backing band Beoga, announced they would also leave the tour. Sheeran later issued an apology to his fans regarding the handling of the situation.
Macklemore then announced the "Macklemore & Friends: Free Palestine" tour, featuring artists who have "used their stages to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences." He declared that proceeds from the tour would benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian movement.
"When those in power try to silence our calls for liberation, art will always be a form of resistance," Macklemore wrote on Instagram. He thanked the audiences in Dublin, Paris, and London for their response, calling it a reminder of global support for a free Palestine. Lineups for the shows are expected soon.
The first concert is scheduled for October 26 in Dublin, followed by dates in Paris and London. Macklemore had previously stated that the tour's proceeds would go to organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.
Sheeran addressed the controversy at his Philadelphia concert on September 19, describing it as "one of the worst weeks of my life." He expressed uncertainty about continuing the tour and questioned his desire to remain an artist. "In these situations, you really find out who your friends are, and it’s been a weird week," Sheeran told the audience.
Sheeran has faced accusations of succumbing to public pressure following his statement acknowledging the "horrific" events of October 7 in Israel and describing the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate." He also noted that the "systemic injustice" in the West Bank could not be overlooked.
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour after stadium owner Robert Kraft criticized his on-stage comments. Macklemore had spoken about universal freedom and assured audiences in Gaza and the West Bank that they had not been forgotten. During his performance of the protest song "Hind's Hall" at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, images of devastation in Gaza were projected. Kraft, whose holding company owns Gillette Stadium near Boston, subsequently banned Macklemore from performing there, leading to his withdrawal from Sheeran's tour.