Macklemore Drops ‘Free Palestine’ Tour Dates After Ed Sheeran Exit

Macklemore is turning his recent tour controversy into a new live project, announcing a “Free Palestine” tour with shows scheduled across Europe following his exit from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

The Grammy-winning rapper revealed that the first run of shows will take place in Dublin, Paris and London, with more dates expected to be announced. The concerts will feature additional artists and guests, while proceeds from the shows are set to support organizations providing humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians.

The announcement comes shortly after Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour, putting the rapper at the center of one of the most closely watched music-industry disputes of recent weeks.

Macklemore announces Dublin, Paris and London dates

The first three “Free Palestine” concerts are currently scheduled for October 26 at 3Arena in Dublin, October 29 at Accor Arena in Paris and October 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London.

According to MCD, more cities are expected to be added, while the full lineup of artists joining Macklemore has not yet been revealed.

Macklemore also appeared to reference the sudden change to his touring schedule while announcing the shows, telling fans: “As you all know, my schedule freed up a bit.”

The comment immediately drew attention because it came days after his departure from Sheeran’s tour.

Ed Sheeran tour exit sparked wider music-industry fallout

Macklemore had been booked as a support act on several remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour before promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that he would no longer appear.

The change followed Macklemore’s September 4 appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he spoke about Palestine during his set and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

Variety reported that the promoter said venues for upcoming dates would not allow the concerts to move forward with Macklemore on the bill.

Sheeran later addressed the situation publicly, saying the move was a “promoter’s decision, not mine” and that he had attempted to find another solution.

The controversy did not end with Macklemore’s departure. Several other performers subsequently stepped away from dates on Sheeran’s North American tour, adding another layer to the wider Ed Sheeran and Macklemore tour controversy.

Macklemore has also said that he intends to donate $1 million in net earnings from his previous work on the Sheeran tour to organizations supporting Palestinians.

For the newly announced shows, organizers say proceeds will benefit groups including Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

Tickets for the first European shows are scheduled to go on general sale on September 30. Further cities and guest performers are expected to be announced as Macklemore expands the project.

The new tour marks the rapper’s first major move since leaving the Sheeran lineup and shifts the story from a tour dispute into a standalone series of concerts carrying Macklemore’s own message and charity focus.

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