United States: American rapper Macklemore has announced a new ‘Free Palestine’ concert tour, days after being removed from Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made during a performance in New Jersey.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced the new tour on September 24, with the first European performances scheduled for Dublin on October 26, Paris on October 29 and London on October 30. Additional US dates are expected to be announced later.
The rapper stated that proceeds from the concerts will go to organisations providing humanitarian, medical and other support to Palestinians. The shows will feature Macklemore alongside artists and friends, although the full list of participating performers has not yet been announced.
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Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour on September 14 after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier in September. The rapper had called for a ‘Free Palestine’ and performed his protest song ‘Hind’s Hall’, which was dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters.
Sheeran later stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter rather than by the singer. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, stated that venues hosting upcoming concerts had indicated that they would not allow performances featuring Macklemore to proceed.
The decision triggered further disruption to Sheeran’s tour, with several supporting acts withdrawing from upcoming shows in solidarity with Macklemore. Among those who pulled out were Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga and Aaron Rowe.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” Macklemore stated. “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.”
The ‘Free Palestine’ tour is expected to raise funds for several organisations supporting Palestinians. Organisers have listed groups including Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Jewish Voice for Peace and UNRWA USA among the beneficiaries.
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