Key Takeaways
- Macklemore reaffirmed his support for Palestine at Red Rocks, declaring, “It is human to have a heart,” while also calling attention to crises in Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, Haiti, and U.S. immigration enforcement.
- The rapper says Patriots owner Robert Kraft rallied stadium owners to force him off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour, while Sheeran says promoters and venues made the decision.
- Macklemore pledged his $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid groups and launched a sold-out Free Palestine Tour benefiting organizations that support Palestinians.
Macklemore isn't backing down from his political views following his controversial removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour, per Billboard.
The Seattle rapper returned to the stage Thursday (Oct. 22) at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where he addressed the crowd about Palestine and other humanitarian crises during his first concert since leaving Sheeran's tour.
"Being a human being in this moment is not complicated," Macklemore said, according to footage from the concert. "It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffering and to say, 'Not anymore!' So I say, free Palestine. I say, free Palestine!"
He also highlighted humanitarian issues in several countries and the impact of immigration enforcement in the United States.
"I say, free Sudan. I say, free Congo, Lebanon, to Haiti, to all the people that are affected by ICE in America, who are afraid to leave their houses," he continued.
"The message will always be love," he concluded.
The performance came roughly a month after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour following two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
During those shows, he called for Palestinian freedom and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" alongside images from Gaza, drawing criticism from organizations including the Israeli-American Council.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group subsequently announced that several stadiums refused to host concerts featuring Macklemore, threatening the remaining tour dates.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft later confirmed that he barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, citing rhetoric and imagery he considered offensive to members of the Jewish community.
Sheeran maintained that the decision came from promoters and venues rather than himself.
"I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes," Sheeran said.
Macklemore later addressed the controversy on Instagram, alleging that Kraft pressured other stadium owners to remove him from the lineup.
"Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium," Macklemore wrote.
"Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues."
Following his removal, Macklemore pledged the $1 million he earned from the tour to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
He has since announced his own Free Palestine Tour, with sold-out concerts scheduled for Dublin, Paris and London later this month. Proceeds will benefit organizations supporting Palestinians.
