US rapper Macklemore has launched his new “Free Palestine Tour” in Dublin, performing to a sold-out crowd after being removed as a supporting act from Ed Sheeran’s US tour over comments supporting Palestine.
Fans gathered outside Dublin’s 3Arena ahead of the opening show, many expressing support for the artist’s outspoken stance on the conflict in Gaza and Palestinian rights.
Michael Keating, a 31-year-old fan attending the concert, praised Macklemore for speaking out despite potential professional consequences.
“Macklemore’s support for Palestine is huge. He’s stood up and he’s put himself on the line instead of taking the easy way out,” he said.
“He’s risking his popularity, his future, his family’s future — everything just for peace.”
The controversy began after Macklemore publicly shouted “Free Palestine” during a performance and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten.” Following the incident, he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour.
Sheeran later stated that the decision was made by tour promoters rather than himself, a development that sparked criticism from some musicians and pro-Palestinian supporters.
Fan Grainne Healy, who attended the Dublin concert, said artists should be free to express their views.
“The USA is supposed to be the country of free speech and instead people are being shut down,” she said.
The dispute also prompted several supporting artists, including American singer Finneas, to withdraw from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Following the backlash, Sheeran later addressed the situation during a concert in Philadelphia, describing the situation in Gaza as “unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
Last month, Macklemore formally announced the Free Palestine Tour, which includes performances in London, Paris, and multiple cities across the United States. He stated that proceeds from the tour would be donated to pro-Palestinian organisations.
Outside the Dublin venue, vendors sold Palestinian-themed merchandise, including flags, bucket hats, and traditional keffiyeh scarves. Many concertgoers said the artist’s advocacy had strengthened their support for him.
Freya Dorrity, an 18-year-old student, said:
“Ever since Macklemore started talking about Palestine, it makes us like him even more.”
Another attendee, Maria Liddy, said she attended the concert to show solidarity with Palestinians and support artistic freedom.
“Artists should never be censored in any capacity,” she said.
The tour is expected to continue across Europe and North America in the coming weeks, combining music performances with fundraising efforts and advocacy around humanitarian issues.
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