Following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour after speaking publicly about Palestine, Macklemore has announced his own run of live dates under the banner Free Palestine Tour, with proceeds going toward 12 organizations supporting Palestinians.
“As you all know, my schedule freed up a bit,” the rapper wrote while announcing the tour, adding that he will be joined by artists “who understand that our platforms mean very little if we’re only willing to use them when it’s safe.” Additional artists and U.S. dates will be announced later, with tickets set to go on sale September 30.
Macklemore said the tour comes at a moment when artists are increasingly being asked to use their platforms beyond entertainment. “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” he wrote, calling for artists to educate themselves, show up for their communities, and push back against attempts to silence calls for a free Palestine. He also framed his removal from Sheeran’s tour as part of a wider conversation around who gets to speak on major stages and whose voices are considered too controversial to platform.
The 12 organizations receiving proceeds from the tour are Anera, GLIA, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA.
The first announced European dates include Dublin’s 3Arena on October 25, Paris’ Accor Arena on October 29, and London’s OVO Arena Wembley on October 30.
