US rapper Macklemore has launched a concert tour in support of Palestinians, with proceeds from the shows expected to go to pro-Palestinian organisations.
The 43-year-old began his ‘Free Palestine Tour’ in Dublin, Ireland, on Monday, months after he was removed from British singer Ed Sheeran’s US tour following his outspoken support for Palestinians.
The opening show at Dublin’s 3Arena was sold out, according to promoters, with fans gathering outside the venue wearing Palestinian-style keffiyeh scarves and carrying Irish-Palestinian flags.
Macklemore, known for hits including Thrift Shop, announced the tour last month, with performances scheduled in London and Paris in late October, alongside planned dates in the United States.
His removal from Sheeran’s tour followed an on-stage declaration of “Free Palestine!” and a message that Palestinians had “not forgotten”.
Sheeran later said the decision to drop Macklemore had been made by the tour’s promoters rather than by him. The move drew criticism from musicians and pro-Palestinian activists.
Four other supporting acts, including American singer Finneas, also withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the situation in Gaza during a concert in Philadelphia, describing the situation as “unjustifiable and disproportionate”.
Macklemore’s stance has attracted support from fans who say the rapper is risking his career by speaking publicly about the conflict.
One concertgoer, Michael Keating, told AFP that Macklemore had taken a stand rather than choosing the easier option.
Another fan, Grainne Healy, criticised what she viewed as the suppression of free speech, saying Sheeran should have supported Macklemore’s position.
Other attendees said the rapper’s advocacy had strengthened their admiration for him, while some described the concert as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians.
The tour comes amid continued international debate over the war in Gaza and the role of artists in speaking out on political and humanitarian issues.
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