US rapper Macklemore has announced his own Free Palestine Tour after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s shows. The move follows his pro-Palestinian comments during two concerts earlier this month in New Jersey. Macklemore had been opening for Sheeran’s Loop Tour when he shouted “Free Palestine!” and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten.”
Tour promoters quickly removed him from the US tour, a decision Sheeran said he did not personally make. However, the move provoked outrage among musicians and pro-Palestinian activists. Macklemore addressed the fallout in an Instagram post, calling the situation bigger than any single artist or stage.
He argued that when the billionaire class decides which voices belong on stage, everyone should take notice. Therefore, Macklemore announced three new shows in London, Paris and Dublin for late October. He also confirmed additional US dates, with all proceeds benefiting pro-Palestinian organisations.
“It’s 2026,” he said. “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.” He added that audiences increasingly expect artists to educate themselves, engage with their communities, and use their platform for more than entertainment.
Meanwhile, Macklemore’s removal has created complications for Sheeran, who has generally avoided overt political statements. Still, at a show in Philadelphia last weekend, he broke his silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.
An emotional Sheeran told his audience that he had made difficult decisions and acknowledged making mistakes. His fans responded with cheers. Additionally, four other supporting artists, including American singer Finneas, have pulled out of Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
The controversy has since sparked wider debate about political expression in the music industry. Finally, it remains to be seen whether other artists on Sheeran’s tour will follow suit in the coming weeks.
