Macklemore has announced a "Free Palestine" benefit tour that will see him perform three European arena shows in October, turning his recent removal from Ed Sheeran's tour into a headline run of his own.
The Grammy-winning rapper confirmed the tour on Thursday. It opens at Dublin's 3Arena on October 26, moves to the Accor Arena in Paris on October 29, and wraps up at London's OVO Arena Wembley on October 30. An artist presale opens Monday, September 28, at 10 a.m. local time, with general ticket sales starting September 30 through his official website. More artists and additional US dates are expected to be announced.
According to a press release from Live Nation, all proceeds will go to organisations working in support of Palestinians, covering medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support and advocacy. The beneficiary list includes 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.
Macklemore was removed from his remaining dates supporting Sheeran's Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks he made during two performances at MetLife Stadium drew controversy. Sheeran later said the decision to remove him was made by the promoter, not by him personally. He played his first show since the row on Saturday with a new backing band and without his b-stage, and said he had questioned whether he even wanted to continue as an artist after the furore.
In announcing the new tour, Macklemore said his schedule had "freed up a bit" and that he had spent the past week reaching out to artists who have used their platforms to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people regardless of the consequences. He framed the dispute as bigger than one artist or one stage, arguing that it raised questions about who gets to decide which voices are allowed to be heard.
Sources: Macklemore announces Free Palestine tour following Ed Sheeran controversy — PA Media | Macklemore Announces 'Free Palestine' Benefit Tour Following Removal from Ed Sheeran's Shows — Zoom TV
The Grammy-winning rapper confirmed the tour on Thursday. It opens at Dublin's 3Arena on October 26, moves to the Accor Arena in Paris on October 29, and wraps up at London's OVO Arena Wembley on October 30. An artist presale opens Monday, September 28, at 10 a.m. local time, with general ticket sales starting September 30 through his official website. More artists and additional US dates are expected to be announced.
According to a press release from Live Nation, all proceeds will go to organisations working in support of Palestinians, covering medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support and advocacy. The beneficiary list includes 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.
Macklemore was removed from his remaining dates supporting Sheeran's Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks he made during two performances at MetLife Stadium drew controversy. Sheeran later said the decision to remove him was made by the promoter, not by him personally. He played his first show since the row on Saturday with a new backing band and without his b-stage, and said he had questioned whether he even wanted to continue as an artist after the furore.
In announcing the new tour, Macklemore said his schedule had "freed up a bit" and that he had spent the past week reaching out to artists who have used their platforms to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people regardless of the consequences. He framed the dispute as bigger than one artist or one stage, arguing that it raised questions about who gets to decide which voices are allowed to be heard.
Sources: Macklemore announces Free Palestine tour following Ed Sheeran controversy — PA Media | Macklemore Announces 'Free Palestine' Benefit Tour Following Removal from Ed Sheeran's Shows — Zoom TV
