Macklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour After Being Dropped by Ed Sheeran
Macklemore has announced a “Free Palestine Tour” with shows in Dublin, Paris, and London scheduled for late October 2026, with additional U.S. dates in the works. All proceeds will go to Palestinian causes. The announcement comes three weeks after he was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following a pro-Palestinian statement at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The MetLife Stadium Statement and Removal
On September 4, Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium. Midway through his set, he told the crowd: “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words.” He then declared “Free Palestine.” Ten days later, tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced he would not perform the remaining eight of ten scheduled shows.
The full timeline of that removal was covered extensively after it happened, with Macklemore alleging that the decision was driven by external pressure rather than by Ed Sheeran directly. Sheeran did not publicly comment on Macklemore’s departure from the Ed Sheeran tour or confirm Macklemore’s account of events.
Robert Kraft’s Role and the Antisemitism Allegation
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, was central to the fallout. Kraft coordinated with other stadium owners and delivered an ultimatum: venues would deny Ed Sheeran access unless Macklemore was removed from the bill. Kraft released a statement claiming Macklemore had a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery,” while stating the decision was not meant to deny Palestinians their rights or prevent advocacy.
Macklemore disputed the characterization, arguing that criticism of Israel’s government does not constitute antisemitism. He framed the removal as an attempt to silence political speech rather than a response to genuine hatred. Artists including Pink publicly criticized his dismissal and called for fan refunds. Neither Kraft nor Sheeran’s camp responded further to his rebuttal.
The Free Palestine Tour
The new tour is structured as a direct response to the removal. Macklemore announced dates in Dublin, Paris, and London in late October, positioning the shows as events specifically oriented around Palestinian advocacy rather than conventional concert tour promotion. Bob Vylan, a British punk-rap duo, and YouTuber Chunkz publicly expressed support for the tour ahead of the announcement.
All ticket proceeds will be donated to Palestinian support organizations. Macklemore has not yet disclosed the specific recipient organizations, and U.S. dates are still being organized. The announcement does not include opening acts beyond what has already been publicly telegraphed by supporters.
Macklemore’s Position on Artist Responsibility
In statements surrounding the tour, Macklemore has framed his position as one of moral necessity. “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” he said, calling on other artists to educate themselves and use their platforms for advocacy beyond entertainment. His stance echoes arguments made by other public figures who have participated in protests that drew national attention throughout 2026.
Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian activism predates his removal from the Sheeran tour. He spoke at a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington, D.C. in November 2023, telling thousands of demonstrators: “I know enough that this is a genocide.” His subsequent work, including a song released in 2024, made the advocacy an explicit part of his public output rather than a sidebar to his music career.
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