Macklemore opens Free Palestine Tour in Dublin after Sheeran exit
Macklemore kicked off his Free Palestine Tour at Dublin's 3Arena on Monday, after losing his supporting slot on Ed Sheeran's US run.
American rapper Macklemore began his Free Palestine Tour in Dublin on Monday night, according to an AFP report carried by IOL. The 43-year-old performed at the city’s 3Arena, and promoters said the show was sold out.
Why the tour came about
The “Thrift Shop” artist had been a supporting act on Ed Sheeran’s tour of the United States. He lost that place after shouting “Free Palestine!” on stage and telling Palestinians they were “not forgotten”.
Sheeran has said the decision came from the tour promoters and not from him. That explanation drew anger from some musicians and pro-Palestinian activists. Four other support acts, including the American singer Finneas, also left the tour to back Macklemore.
Sheeran later addressed the war in Gaza during a concert in Philadelphia, describing it as “unjustifiable and disproportionate”.
The tour and the crowd
Macklemore announced his own tour last month. Dates in London and Paris are set for late October, and US shows are also planned. He has said all proceeds will go to pro-Palestinian organisations.
Outside the Dublin venue, street traders sold flags that combined Irish and Palestinian designs, along with bucket hats carrying the slogan and keffiyeh-style scarves. Fans queuing for the show told AFP they admired his stance.
- Michael Keating, 31, who works in insurance, said Macklemore had “put himself on the line”.
- Grainne Healy, 60, a retiree, said she believed Sheeran should have defended the rapper.
- Student Freya Dorrity, 18, said she liked him “even more” since he began speaking about Palestine.
- Maria Liddy, 40, said she came “to show solidarity” and that artists should not be censored.
What this means for South African fans
The report lists shows in Dublin, London and Paris, with US dates still to come. It does not mention any South African performances, so local fans would need to follow the tour announcements for any change. Anyone thinking of buying tickets should note that the proceeds are said to go to pro-Palestinian organisations, as Macklemore has stated.
The subject of the war in Gaza is highly contested, and the views quoted here belong to the people who expressed them.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
