MACKLEMORE ANNOUNCES FREE PALESTINE TOUR AFTER SHEERAN EXIT

Rapper Macklemore has announced a "Free Palestine Tour," with shows planned in Dublin, Paris and London for late October, according to an announcement he posted on social media. The tour follows his departure from Ed Sheeran's US tour, after he spoke out against Israel's military campaign in Gaza during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 September, where he had been one of Sheeran's opening acts. Macklemore said he would be joined by other musicians, with names to be confirmed, and that US dates are also being organised. He said all proceeds from the tour will go to causes supporting Palestinian people and the wider movement.

In a statement announcing the tour, Macklemore said "something has shifted over the last three years" and described what he called "a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation." He said artists were being asked to "show up, educate themselves and be in community" rather than remain apolitical, adding that "being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore." Macklemore has close to 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify. English punk rap duo Bob Vylan responded to his announcement on Instagram with a supportive message, while British social media personality Chunkz also voiced support.

The announcement follows weeks of attention on Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour lineup after his comments on Gaza. No further details on ticket sales or additional tour dates have been confirmed. Organisers have not said whether more cities will be added beyond Dublin, Paris and London.