Macklemore Launches 'Free Palestine' Tour After Ed Sheeran Split

Key points

• Macklemore announced a 'Free Palestine' tour on Thursday, with initial dates in Dublin, Paris, and London in late October.
• The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour on September 14 after shouting 'Free Palestine' at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
• Macklemore claims billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft pressured other venue owners to bar him, leading to his dismissal.
• All proceeds from the new tour will be donated to charities supporting the Palestinian people and the wider movement.
• Ed Sheeran stated the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not by himself, though he later apologized for handling the fallout poorly.

Background

In early September, Macklemore, an opening act for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, delivered a pro-Palestinian speech and performed a song dedicated to protesters at MetLife Stadium. This action triggered a controversy involving Jewish advocacy groups and billionaire venue owners, notably Robert Kraft, who pledged Palestinian relief funds but also barred Macklemore from his Gillette Stadium. Previous coverage noted that Sheeran’s support acts, including Finneas and Beoga, withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, while Sheeran continued his tour, later addressing the conflict as a humanitarian issue.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera emphasizes Macklemore’s framing of the event as a 'collective awakening' against billionaire censorship, highlighting his accusation that Kraft rallied stadium owners to force his removal. The BBC focuses on the logistical details of the new tour and Macklemore’s statement that the incident is 'bigger than one artist,' noting that Sheeran admitted to making 'mistakes' in handling the situation. The Los Angeles Times provides a detailed account of the tour’s visual branding, including symbols like doves and watermelons, and notes that Macklemore had recently donated $1 million to pro-Palestinian charities. While all sources agree on the tour’s announcement and the donation of proceeds, they differ in emphasis: Al Jazeera and the LA Times highlight the political activism and financial backing, whereas the BBC focuses on the industry fallout and Sheeran’s eventual public stance.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the growing tension between artist activism and corporate or billionaire influence in the music industry. Macklemore’s decision to launch a dedicated tour signals a shift in how artists use their platforms for political causes, challenging the notion that 'apolitical' stances are viable during ongoing conflicts. The involvement of high-profile figures like Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft underscores the significant impact that political messaging can have on commercial tours and venue policies.

What to watch

Macklemore is expected to announce the names of supporting artists for the Free Palestine Tour soon. US tour dates are currently being organized, with additional tickets set to go on sale next week. The tour will begin in Dublin on October 26, followed by Paris on October 29 and London on October 30. Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour continues, with the singer having addressed the controversy in recent performances.