Macklemore calls for “free Palestine” at first show since Ed Sheeran tour removal

Macklemore called for a “free Palestine” and condemned ICE at his first show since being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour, according to NME. The rapper played a 17-song set at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on 22 October, per Setlist.fm.

During the gig he gave a speech doubling down on his views. “Being a human being in this moment is not complicated,” he said, adding that it is human, not political. He called for freedom for Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Lebanon and Haiti, and for people in the US affected by ICE who are afraid to leave their homes. He closed with: “The message will always be love.”

After the row, the rapper announced a short “Free Palestine Tour” of the UK and Europe. The benefit shows have sold out, and he said he was blown away by the response.

The dispute began when Macklemore spoke on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey while opening for Sheeran, and performed “Hind’s Hall”. Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft objected to his appearing at later dates. Macklemore said he was removed from the rest of the tour, and Sheeran's other support acts and his backing band withdrew in solidarity. Macklemore pledged his entire $1 million earnings from the tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. Kraft confirmed a $2 million contribution to humanitarian aid.

Macklemore is an American rapper from Seattle, born in 1983. His newest studio album, according to MusicBrainz, is “Ben” (March 2023). In October mbuzz reported that Lorde wore a “Free Palestine” jacket amid the row.