Earlier this month, Macklemore found himself at the center of a controversy after being dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s sixth concert tour, the Loop Tour, reportedly following pressure from
promoters and venue owners over his vocal support for Palestine.
The controversy caused quite the stir, practically splitting the internet into opposing camps and prompting fellow artists to weigh in. But instead of letting the backlash throw him off course, the Thrift Shop singer has decided to take matters into his own hands, announcing the “Free Palestine Tour,” a three-date run across Dublin (Oct. 26), Paris (Oct. 29), and London (Oct. 30) that will put his support for Palestine front and center.
Announcing the tour in an Instagram post shared with his nine million followers, the 42-year-old Seattle rapper made it clear that his removal from Sheeran’s tour has done little to discourage him from speaking out. Over the past week, he has also been reaching out to fellow artists who have publicly expressed solidarity with Palestinians, inviting them to join him on the road.
Reflecting on the events that led him here, the Grammy Award-winning artist pointed to what he described as a “collective awakening” around Palestinian liberation over the past three years, arguing that audiences increasingly expect artists to take a stand instead of remaining on the sidelines. He also took aim at the influence of billionaires in the music industry, questioning their power to determine who gets a platform and whose voices are silenced.
The tour will also put its money where its message is, with all proceeds going directly to organizations supporting Palestinians and Palestinian-led relief efforts. Beneficiaries include Gaza Soup Kitchen, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), and HEAL Palestine, among others providing humanitarian aid and support to Palestinian communities.