US rapper Macklemore has announced his own “Free Palestine Tour” after being dropped from British pop star Ed Sheeran’s US tour over his public pro-Palestinian comments.
The 43-year-old rapper had been opening for Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” but was removed after shouting “Free Palestine!” and telling Palestinians they were “not forgotten” during two concerts in New Jersey earlier this month.
The decision, which Sheeran said was made by the tour promoters rather than himself, sparked criticism from musicians and pro-Palestinian activists.
Macklemore announced on Thursday that he would instead headline a series of concerts in support of Palestinian causes.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” he said in an Instagram post.
“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 added.
The rapper has announced shows in London, Paris and Dublin for late October, with additional US dates planned. He said proceeds from the concerts would go towards pro-Palestinian organisations.
“It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” Macklemore said.
He also called on fellow artists to educate themselves, engage with their communities and use their platforms to address issues beyond entertainment.
The controversy has also placed renewed attention on Sheeran, who has generally avoided overt political statements throughout his career.
However, during a concert in Philadelphia last weekend, Sheeran addressed the conflict in Gaza, describing the situation as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate”.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” an emotional Sheeran told the crowd, who responded with cheers.
Four other supporting artists, including American singer Finneas, have also withdrawn from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
