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// DOSSIER — macklemore-free-palestine-tour-announcement
Macklemore Announces 'Free Palestine Tour' Following Removal from Ed Sheeran's Tour
REL_TIME: 26 Sep 2026 20:14Z · LANG: EN
US rapper Macklemore has announced a self-headlined 'Free Palestine Tour' after being removed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s 'Loop Tour.' The decision to drop Macklemore followed his pro-Palestinian performance at MetLife Stadium, which reportedly led to pressure from stadium owners, including Robert Kraft. Macklemore’s new tour will debut in Europe in late October 2026, with all proceeds benefiting humanitarian organizations supporting Palestinians. The controversy has caused a significant shift in Sheeran's tour lineup, as all remaining supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
// Background
Macklemore has been a vocal supporter of Palestinians, releasing the song 'Hind's Hall' in 2024 to honor a child killed in Gaza and support student protesters. The current controversy began after his performance at MetLife Stadium in September 2026, highlighting ongoing tensions between corporate venue ownership, artist activism, and political discourse regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
// Key Developments
- Macklemore announced the 'Free Palestine Tour' with initial dates in Dublin, Paris, and London starting October 26, 2026.
- All tour proceeds will benefit organizations including Anera, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, and UNRWA USA.
- The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' after performing 'Hind's Hall' and making pro-Palestinian statements in New Jersey.
- Supporting acts including Finneas and the band Beoga withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
- Macklemore accused billionaire Robert Kraft of rallying stadium owners to issue an ultimatum for his removal from the tour.
// Timeline
-
Macklemore performs 'Hind's Hall' and makes pro-Palestinian comments during opening sets for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium.
-
Messina Touring Group removes Macklemore from the Loop Tour; Robert Kraft bars him from Gillette Stadium.
-
All remaining supporting acts, including Finneas and Sheeran's house band, withdraw from the tour in solidarity.
-
Ed Sheeran addresses the controversy during a Philadelphia concert, calling the Gaza situation catastrophic.
-
Macklemore officially announces the 'Free Palestine Tour' with initial European dates and a pledge of all proceeds to aid organizations.
// Perspectives
[Macklemore]
Views his removal as censorship by the 'billionaire class' and advocates for artists to use their platforms for political awareness and humanitarian aid.
[Ed Sheeran]
Maintains that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by promoters and venue owners, while describing the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable.
[Robert Kraft]
Barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing a responsibility to stand up against what he described as offensive rhetoric and antisemitic imagery.
[Supporting Artists (Finneas, Beoga, etc.)]
Withdrew from the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore, supporting his right to speak and the Palestinian cause.
// Quotes
“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.”
“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.”
“I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
