Getting dropped from Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour has given Macklemore room to build one around the message that got him removed. The Seattle rapper announced the Free Palestine Tour on Thursday, unveiling three European dates with proceeds going to organizations supporting Palestinians.
The run begins Oct. 26 in Dublin before heading to Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30, according to TMZ. More dates could follow, including possible U.S. shows. Presale tickets are scheduled to become available Monday, with the general sale beginning Wednesday.
In his announcement, Macklemore said his newly open schedule helped create the opportunity. He also framed the concerts as a response to efforts to restrict pro-Palestinian speech. “It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” he wrote, using the term that has become central to his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He added that audiences are asking artists to “use the stage for more than entertainment.”
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The New Tour Follows His Removal From Ed Sheeran’s Shows
Earlier this month, promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after several venues objected to his participation. The controversy followed two MetLife Stadium performances where he called for a “Free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall.” The promoter told Rolling Stone that venues had warned they would not host the concerts with him still on the lineup.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft later confirmed that he barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, citing what he described as offensive rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore accused Kraft of helping pressure other venues to follow suit. Kraft confirmed his own decision regarding Gillette but did not address that broader allegation. Sheeran subsequently said venue owners and the promoter made the final call despite his attempts to find another solution.
The rapper has responded by doubling down on his advocacy. He pledged $1 million to organizations supporting Palestinians after his removal from the Sheeran tour, then announced the new concerts a week later. Rolling Stone reports that the upcoming shows will continue that fundraising effort, with proceeds benefiting Palestinian support organizations. The Free Palestine Tour is set to launch in Dublin on Oct. 26.
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