LOS ANGELES, United States — American rapper Macklemore has announced a new international concert tour to support Palestinians, less than two weeks after being removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour following a dispute over his pro-Palestinian statements.
The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced the Free Palestine Tour on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with concerts scheduled in Dublin, Paris, and London in late October.
Macklemore said all proceeds would go to organisations supporting Palestinians, including groups providing medical care, food, humanitarian assistance, and other services.
The announcement follows his removal from Sheeran’s Loop Tour after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred him from performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts and other venues objected to his participation.
Macklemore has accused Kraft of organising opposition among stadium owners to secure his removal from the tour, an allegation Kraft has not publicly addressed in detail.
Three European Concerts Announced
Macklemore will begin his new tour at Dublin’s 3Arena on October 26, followed by performances at Accor Arena in Paris on October 29 and OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 30.
The rapper said additional concerts in the United States would be announced later.
He also plans to perform alongside other musicians who have publicly supported Palestinians, although their names have not yet been disclosed.
Tickets for the European concerts will go on general sale on September 30, with presale access available from September 28.
In his Instagram announcement, Macklemore referred to his departure from Sheeran’s tour before outlining his plans for the new concerts.
“So, as you all know, my schedule freed up a bit,” he wrote.
The rapper said he had spent the previous week contacting other musicians who had publicly expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
He also criticised the influence of wealthy venue owners over which performers are permitted to appear at major concerts.
Macklemore said the dispute had raised broader questions about artistic expression and the consequences faced by musicians who take public positions on contentious political issues.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” he wrote.
According to The Guardian, proceeds from the concerts will support several humanitarian and advocacy organisations, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Anera, and UNRWA USA.
Macklemore’s Dispute With Robert Kraft
Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour followed his performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4.
During the concert, the rapper called for a free Palestine and performed his protest song, “Hind’s Hall”, which addresses the war in Gaza and demonstrations supporting Palestinians.
His comments drew criticism from several pro-Israel organisations, including the Israeli-American Council and the Anti-Defamation League.
Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, subsequently confirmed that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at the stadium.
He cited the rapper’s recent performances and what he described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Macklemore has rejected accusations that his support for Palestinians constitutes antisemitism.
In a statement announcing his removal from the Loop Tour, the rapper alleged that Kraft had contacted Sheeran and encouraged other stadium owners to refuse to host concerts featuring him.
Kraft has confirmed his decision regarding Gillette Stadium but has not publicly confirmed Macklemore’s allegation that he organised a coordinated effort among other venue owners.
According to Reuters, tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that several venues had objected to Macklemore’s continued participation.
The promoter subsequently removed the rapper from the remaining dates.
Sheeran Continues Tour After Other Artists Withdraw
Sheeran has denied personally ordering Macklemore’s removal, saying the decision was made by the concert promoter after venue operators threatened to cancel performances.
In a public statement reported by Pitchfork, Sheeran said he had attempted to negotiate a resolution with the venues, including Kraft, but was unsuccessful.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he said.
The British singer said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him.
Following the rapper’s removal, Sheeran’s remaining opening acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Lukas Graham — withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
The Irish folk group Beoga, which had been scheduled to perform with Sheeran during parts of the tour, also withdrew.
Despite the departures, Sheeran continued his scheduled concerts.
During a performance in Philadelphia on September 19, the singer addressed the controversy and expressed regret over how events had unfolded.
He also described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable, while explaining that he had generally sought to keep political discussions separate from his concerts.
According to the Associated Press, Sheeran told the audience that he wanted his performances to remain spaces where people with different views could come together.
He also said he opposed restrictions on artistic expression.
Macklemore Expands Palestinian Fundraising Efforts
The new tour follows Macklemore’s earlier pledge to donate $1 million in earnings from his appearances on Sheeran’s tour to organisations assisting Palestinians.
The rapper challenged Kraft to make a corresponding donation.
Kraft subsequently announced a $2 million contribution towards humanitarian assistance in the region, while Sheeran also pledged $2 million.
The new concerts will provide another fundraising opportunity for organisations assisting Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza.
Macklemore has not announced which musicians will accompany him at the three European concerts or provided dates for the planned American performances.
