Macklemore responds to Sheeran fallout with tour: full statement - Newsweek
Macklemore has announced a new concert run dubbed the "Free Palestine" Tour, with three European arena shows scheduled for October and additional U.S. dates expected to be announced later.
The announcement comes weeks after the Grammy-winning rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour following onstage remarks that included the phrase "Free Palestine." Sheeran, who said promoters and venue stakeholders ultimately decided to remove Macklemore rather than he did, later addressed the controversy publicly. The British singer described the conflict as placing him in the middle of a deeply divisive and emotionally charged debate while reiterating concerns about the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza and the impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Macklemore said the tour emerged after recent controversy surrounding his departure from Sheeran's tour. “As you all know, my schedule freed up a bit,” he wrote. Newsweek reached out to Macklemore via email for comment.
Fans, venues and advocacy groups connected to the tour will now be watching for further artist announcements, additional dates and the impact of a fundraising effort tied to organizations supporting Palestinian people.
He said proceeds from the concerts will support multiple humanitarian and advocacy organizations working with Palestinian communities.
The rapper, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, revealed the tour on social media, describing it as a response to what he characterized as growing public expectations for artists to engage with political and humanitarian issues.
Macklemore said more dates, including U.S. stops and additional performers, will be announced in the coming weeks.
The announcement follows a highly publicized dispute involving Sheeran's U.S. tour. Earlier this month, Macklemore said he was removed as an opener after delivering speeches at concerts that included calls for "Free Palestine."
The situation sparked debate about artists' political expression and prompted several performers, including Finneas, to step away from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
In his announcement, Macklemore argued that artists should use their platforms to address issues beyond entertainment.
He said there has been what he described as a "collective awakening" around the plight of Palestinian people and that audiences increasingly expect public figures to take positions on major global events.
The rapper also framed the tour as a response to efforts he believes have sought to silence certain viewpoints.
Referring to his departure from Sheeran's tour, Macklemore said the controversy extends beyond his own career and raises broader questions about who gets access to major concert stages and large audiences.
Macklemore has told fans that the itinerary is expected to expand. He said conversations with other artists are ongoing and that he will announce additional shows in the United States once schedules and logistics are finalized.
In his Instagram caption announcing the tour, Macklemore wrote: "If these last couple of weeks have shown us anything, it’s that something has shifted over the last three years. 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.
"It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore. 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.
"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.
"So, as you all know, my schedule freed up a bit.
"I’ve spent the last week reaching out to artists who have shown up and used their stages to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences. Artists who understand that our platforms mean very little if we’re only willing to use them when it’s safe.
"Because of how quickly all of this has come together, a lot of the conversations, schedules and details are still being worked out. But this is a moment of momentum, and there is work to be done.
"Artist announcements coming soon, as well as US dates."
At the end of the caption, he added, "All proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement."
According to the artist, presale tickets will be available Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. local time.
General public ticket sales will begin September 30 at 10 a.m. local time.
Macklemore has encouraged supporters to register through his official website for advance ticket access and tour updates.
The new tour arrives amid continued discussion about Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's U.S. stadium tour.
Macklemore has alleged that venue pressure contributed to the decision, claiming that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped organize opposition to his participation after his comments at concerts in New Jersey.
Kraft has rejected accusations that he was attempting to suppress advocacy on behalf of Palestinian people.
In a statement issued earlier this month, he said his concerns centered on what he viewed as rhetoric and imagery that was offensive to members of the Jewish community.
The dispute quickly became an international story, drawing responses from Sheeran, fellow musicians and fans.
The controversy has fueled a broader debate about the role entertainers should play in political discussions.
Supporters of Macklemore have argued that artists should be free to express views on humanitarian issues, while critics have questioned some of his past actions and statements.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas
