Macklemore announces Free Palestine concerts

US rapper Macklemore has announced a new series of concerts supporting Palestinian aid organisations, with the tour titled “Free Palestine.” The European leg will begin in Dublin on October 26, followed by performances in Paris and London.

Dublin Opens European Tour

Macklemore will perform at Dublin’s 3Arena on October 26, before travelling to the Accor Arena in Paris on October 29 and OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 30. Further dates, including performances in the United States, are expected to be announced.

Concert Proceeds To Support Palestinians

Organisers say all proceeds from the concerts will go to organisations providing humanitarian, medical and other forms of support to Palestinians. Several organisations are expected to benefit, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

More Artists Expected To Join

Macklemore is expected to perform with other artists under the billing “Macklemore and friends”. However, the supporting performers have not yet been confirmed. The rapper said he had been contacting artists who had previously used their platforms to show solidarity with Palestinians.

Tour Follows Sheeran Controversy

The announcement comes after Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following comments supporting Palestinians during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.

Macklemore Blames Venue Pressure

Macklemore has said that venue owners, including billionaire Robert Kraft, pressured Sheeran over his continued participation in the tour. Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his, while expressing concern about performers being subjected to content restrictions.

Other Artists Show Solidarity

Several supporting acts subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The departures included Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, as well as Finneas and Danish band Lukas Graham.

$1 Million Donation Pledged

Macklemore also recently pledged to donate $1 million from his net earnings from the Sheeran tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. The recipients include Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

Sheeran Addresses Controversy

Sheeran later addressed the dispute during a performance in Philadelphia, describing the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable and acknowledging that he had made mistakes in handling the controversy.

Tickets Go On Sale

An artist presale for the Dublin concert is scheduled to begin on September 28, with general ticket sales opening on September 30. Organisers are expected to announce additional dates and participating artists in the coming weeks.