Macklemore Announces 'Free Palestine' Tour Following Removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour

Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced a "Free Palestine" tour set to begin in Dublin on 26 October 2026. This announcement comes shortly after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour due to pro-Palestinian comments he made during a performance earlier this month. Macklemore stated that proceeds from the tour will support organizations aiding Palestinians. He remarked on the recent events, saying they reflect a broader awakening regarding Palestinian liberation and the influence of wealthy individuals in censoring voices. Macklemore also mentioned that he has been reaching out to artists who have shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The tour will include stops in Paris on 29 October and London on 30 October, with additional US dates to be announced. Following Macklemore's comments, Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove him was made by the concert promoter, Messina Touring Group, not by him personally. The fallout from this decision led to other support acts withdrawing from the tour and a decline in ticket prices. Sheeran addressed the situation during a concert in Philadelphia, acknowledging mistakes in handling the controversy and describing the ongoing conflict as a humanitarian issue. He condemned the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023 as "horrific" and characterized the situation in Gaza as "unjustifiable and disproportionate."