Macklemore announces ‘Free Palestine’ tour after Ed Sheeran exit

American rapper Macklemore has announced a new concert tour titled “Free Palestine” after being removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran’s tour following his public pro-Palestinian comments.

The Grammy-winning artist said the new tour will begin next month with performances in Dublin, Paris and London. He added that dates for the United States and additional performers would be announced later.

Macklemore also said proceeds from the concerts would be donated to organisations supporting Palestinians.

Announcing the tour on social media, the rapper said he wanted to use his performances to encourage artists to speak about issues affecting Palestinians rather than remain silent.

The announcement follows Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour last month. He had been scheduled to perform at eight additional shows but was dropped after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance in New Jersey.

Macklemore later said the decision was connected to his intention to speak about Palestine from the stage. He claimed that stadium owners at venues where Sheeran was scheduled to perform had objected to his remarks.

Sheeran has said that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by tour organisers rather than by him. The British singer said he had attempted to find a solution to the dispute.

Sheeran later apologised for how he handled the situation during a performance in Philadelphia. He also criticised Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, describing it as unjustifiable.

Macklemore has repeatedly spoken publicly against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its policies in the occupied West Bank. His latest announcement further links his music career with his political advocacy.

The rapper said recent events had demonstrated a growing public interest in Palestinian rights and increased expectations for artists to address major political and humanitarian issues.

He also criticised what he described as attempts by wealthy individuals to control which artists and political messages are allowed on major stages.