Macklemore blasts into a global 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran cuts him

Macklemore, the rapper known for hits like “Thrift Shop” and “Glorious,” has announced a new international concert series titled the “Free Palestine Tour.” The announcement followed his recent dismissal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after he made onstage remarks about Palestine and Gaza.

The 43‑year‑old artist used Instagram to reveal the plan, emphasizing his intent to use music as a platform for political advocacy.

, the tour will begin in Dublin on October 26, move to Paris on October 29, and conclude with a London stop on October 30. Macklemore added that dates for United States shows and additional artist announcements would be released in the coming weeks.

His removal from Sheeran’s Loop Tour came after he addressed the Gaza conflict onstage, a move that prompted the event’s organizers to drop him. The incident has amplified discussions about artists’ responsibilities amid geopolitical conflicts.

## Background & Context

The “Free Palestine Tour” will see Macklemore traveling overseas, with confirmed stops in Dublin, Paris, and London. He has indicated that the United States leg of the tour, along with the lineup of collaborating artists, will be announced shortly.

He also mentioned that the shows will feature collaborations with local artists in each city.

All proceeds from the concerts are pledged to benefit organizations that support Palestinian people and the broader movement. Macklemore emphasized that the tour’s financial backing aligns with its advocacy goals.

He explained that his schedule had “freed up a bit,” allowing him to reach out to artists who have previously used their platforms to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, regardless of potential backlash. He also noted that many details are still being finalized.

## What People Are Saying

On Instagram, Macklemore wrote, “If these last couple of weeks have shown us anything, it’s that something has shifted over the last three years.” He added that “There has been a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation, the power of billionaires that try to censor that call, and what we expect from artists right now.”

He also criticized Sheeran’s neutrality, stating, “It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.” He went on to say, “People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment.

To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it.”

Macklemore added, “What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage.

When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention.” He concluded that, “Because of how quickly all of this has come together, a lot of the conversations, schedules and details are still being worked out.”

## What Happens Next

Details for the U.S. dates and the lineup of special guests will be announced in the next few weeks, . He will also update his followers through his official Instagram account.

During the same post, he noted that he has been reaching out to artists who have historically used their platforms to support Palestinian causes. He emphasized that these collaborations would occur despite potential backlash.

With the tour’s momentum growing, Macklemore urged audiences to view the concerts as a chance to support both artistic expression and political advocacy. The tour’s official schedule will be released shortly.

Macklemore’s announcement marks a significant shift in how some musicians are aligning their tours with activist causes, highlighting the growing expectation that artists confront global issues from the stage.