Macklemore's new Dublin benefit concert sold out fast
The sold-out Dublin show featured Hozier, Kneecap, and Ed Sheeran's former backing band, kicking off a series that continues in Paris and London this week.
By Hector Medina ·
Macklemore launched his new Free Palestine Tour on Monday night in Dublin, marking the start of a three-city benefit series following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
The event at Dublin’s 3Arena sold out before the organizers revealed the lineup. Onstage performers included Irish singer Hozier, the Irish band Kneecap, Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats, Palestinian singer Lina Makoul, and rapper M1 of Dead Prez.
Boega, the backing band that left Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, also performed. Special guest speakers included Irish actor Liam Cunningham, psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan, and artist Samir Eskanda.
Cunningham addressed the crowd directly, stating that enjoying the concert does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza. He said the night was about celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have worked hard to protect.
The tour continues on October 29 at the Accor Arena in Paris. The final show is scheduled for October 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London. All proceeds from the three concerts will go to organizations supporting Palestine and the Palestinian movement.
A press release noted that these groups provide medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance. It also mentioned work in education, community support, advocacy, and policy change in countries identified as complicit in the ongoing conflict.
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s tour last month after he shared pro-Palestine messages during his opening sets. Messina Touring Group, Sheeran’s promoter, said venues threatened to pull out of the tour if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
The promoter stated that keeping Macklemore would have resulted in cancellation and impacted hundreds of thousands of fans. They confirmed after discussions with stakeholders that he would not perform on the remaining support dates.
Sheeran addressed the controversy onstage during his solo shows. He said he did not want to be an activist musician but found himself in the middle of a debate on freedom of speech. He emphasized that his concerts have always been a safe space for everyone.
Sheeran expressed worry that venues were pre-approving content for performances. He noted that while this happens in many places, it should not happen in the free world. He said continuing his tour on his own was essential to honoring his commitment to fans.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
