Rapper Macklemore has scheduled a series of live shows in Europe to raise funds for humanitarian causes after being removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour.
Key facts
- •Macklemore's tour will feature performances in Dublin, Paris, and London this October.
- •The rapper stated that 12 humanitarian organizations will receive all proceeds from the tour.
- •Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour after venue owners objected to his pro-Palestinian remarks.
- •Ed Sheeran stated he was not responsible for the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour.
- •Ticket pre-sales begin on September 28, with general sales starting on September 30.
Rapper Macklemore, born Benjamin Haggerty, has announced a new concert series titled the 'Free Palestine' tour. The announcement follows his recent removal from Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour, which occurred after venue owners objected to Macklemore’s onstage comments regarding the Israel-Gaza war. Macklemore stated that he will perform alongside various musicians to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Palestine.
By the numbers
Tour Details and Beneficiaries
The initial European leg of the tour includes performances at Dublin’s 3Arena on October 26, Paris’ Accor Arena on October 29, and London’s OVO Arena Wembley on October 30. Macklemore is currently finalizing the lineup of guest artists. All proceeds from the concerts will be donated to 12 organizations, including Anera, UNRWA USA, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Removal From Sheeran's Tour
Macklemore’s departure from Ed Sheeran’s 'Loop' tour followed a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he performed his song 'Hind’s Hall' and delivered a speech calling for a 'Free Palestine.' According to Macklemore, venue owners issued an ultimatum to Sheeran to remove him from the tour. Sheeran confirmed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was among those who contacted him regarding the performance. Sheeran later stated he was not complicit in the decision to remove Macklemore.
Timeline
- September 4Macklemore performed and spoke about Palestine at MetLife Stadium, leading to his removal from the tour.
- September 19Ed Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia and read an apology regarding the controversy.
- September 24Macklemore officially announced the 'Free Palestine' tour.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Music, NME, NBC News Pop Culture.
