Macklemore's stint opening Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour ended in controversy after pro-Palestinian statements at MetLife Stadium — and now the rapper is going out on his own.
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Key Facts
- At the September 4–5, 2026 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine," told Palestinians they were "not forgotten," performed his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall," and screened Gaza footage and pro-Palestinian messages on the stage screens.
- Tour promoter Messina Touring Group removed him from the remaining US dates. Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter, not by him.
- Macklemore claimed pressure came from venue owners including Robert Kraft. Kraft confirmed Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium, citing Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric," a characterization Macklemore disputes.
- Four other supporting acts withdrew in solidarity — Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and Aaron Rowe, according to WION.
- Sheeran addressed a Philadelphia crowd emotionally, calling the situation in Gaza "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate." He added: "I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so, so sorry."
- Sheeran's September 25–26 shows at Gillette Stadium were separately canceled due to severe weather, with automatic refunds issued through Ticketmaster.
Macklemore Announces "Free Palestine Tour"
On September 24, 2026, Macklemore announced his own "Free Palestine Tour," with shows in London, Paris, and Dublin in late October 2026 and additional US dates planned. All proceeds will go to pro-Palestinian organizations, including Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Middle East Children's Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Institute for Middle East Understanding, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA.
What Macklemore Said
"What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. 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."
Writing on Instagram, Macklemore also said he planned to donate the $1 million he earned from the Ed Sheeran tour to organizations supporting Palestinians.
FAQs
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour?
After he led "Free Palestine" chants and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" at MetLife Stadium, tour promoter Messina Touring Group dropped him from the remaining US dates.
Did Ed Sheeran personally remove Macklemore?
No — Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter, not him, and later apologized to fans, admitting he made mistakes handling the situation.
What is Macklemore's Free Palestine Tour?
A new concert run announced September 24, 2026, with shows in London, Paris, and Dublin in late October and US dates planned; all proceeds benefit pro-Palestinian organizations.
Which other artists left the tour?
Four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity, including Finneas (WION also named Lukas Graham, Beoga, and Aaron Rowe).
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