Dublin fans fill 13,000 seats for Macklemore's pro-Palestine debut
The rapper launched his new tour in Ireland after being removed from Ed Sheeran's bill over comments regarding the war in Gaza.
By James Brooks ·
American rapper Macklemore kicked off his 'Free Palestine' tour in Dublin on Monday, performing for a sold-out crowd of 13,000 at the 3Arena.
The show came six weeks after Macklemore was dropped as the opening act for Ed Sheeran's US tour. The split occurred after Macklemore used the phrase 'Free Palestine' and criticized the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the West Bank during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Sheeran's team stated that stadium owners for the remaining dates threatened to block further shows if Macklemore stayed on the bill. Macklemore responded by organizing his own tour, which he said would continue until his last breath.
Fans in Dublin purchased the 13,000 available tickets within minutes. Many attendees wore Palestinian flags, keffiyeh scarves, and red, black, and green jerseys. Vendors sold similar items outside the venue.
During the set, Macklemore waved a Palestinian flag and told the audience that he is proud to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. He noted that the two words 'Free Palestine' have become more controversial than the suffering that made them necessary.
Local and international artists joined Macklemore on stage. Irish singer Hozier, the rap group Kneecap, and the band Beoga performed. Beoga was one of the acts that previously quit Sheeran's tour in support of Macklemore. Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul and DJ Habibeats also played, while actor Liam Cunningham spoke between sets.
Siobhan Lyons, a Dublin resident who attended with her daughter, described Macklemore as a speaker for the current time. She said the performance made her feel alive and eager to be part of a larger movement.
The tour is scheduled to continue in Paris and London this week. Macklemore has indicated that US dates will be announced later.
Palestinian authorities report that more than 74,000 people have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza. The conflict began after Hamas-led fighters killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials maintain that their actions do not amount to genocide.
