Tour Sells Out Instantly
On Wednesday, Macklemore, who has won four Grammys, said that every one of the three stops on his Free Palestine Tour sold out right after he revealed the dates the week before. The run is set for October 26 through October 30, hitting Dublin, Paris, and London. In an Instagram message, he expressed amazement at the reaction, explaining that the concerts came together quickly and through community effort, rooted in the idea that artists can show solidarity with Palestine, use the stage to collect funds, and demonstrate what collective action looks like. He also said that whenever powerful figures attempt to suppress demands for liberation, art remains a means of resistance.[S1]
The rapper also thanked Dublin, Paris and London for their support, describing the reaction as another reminder of how many people worldwide are standing together for a free Palestine. He indicated that lineups would be announced soon and expressed eagerness to be together with audiences. The Free Palestine Tour is explicitly described as supporting the Palestinian people and movement.[S1]
Background: Sheeran Tour Controversy
This news comes after Macklemore was taken off Ed Sheeran's tour earlier this month. That move happened as criticism grew over comments Macklemore made onstage regarding a free Palestine. Sheeran, choosing to stay publicly neutral on the matter, later put out a statement saying the promoter had made the call after Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft brought together multiple tour venues to deliver an ultimatum. Following that statement, other openers on the tour—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Lukas Graham—withdrew, as did Sheeran's backing band Beoga.[S1]
At the same time, demonstrators assembled outside the Philadelphia date of Sheeran's Loop Tour to criticize him for removing Macklemore, while he offered an onstage apology. The episode highlights the wider friction over political speech within the music business and the fallout artists can encounter when they take positions on divisive matters.[S1]
