Macklemore Kicks Off Free Palestine Tour in Dublin With Hozier

Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour officially launched in Dublin on October 26, marking the start of a three-city charity run aimed at supporting Palestinian aid organizations. The sold-out show at 3Arena brought together a diverse lineup of artists, activists, and speakers, all united in their call for solidarity with Palestine. Special guests included Hozier, Kneecap, and Beoga, alongside surprise appearances from Palestinian singer Lina Makoul, rapper M-1 of Dead Prez, and DJ Habibeats. The event also featured speeches from actor Liam Cunningham and activists Nadia Greenspan and Samir Eskanda, reinforcing the tour’s message of justice and humanitarian support.

The tour emerged in the wake of Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in September after he voiced support for Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium. His comments—calling for a “free Palestine”—sparked controversy, with venue owners, including Robert Kraft of the Kraft Group, pushing for his removal. Sheeran later clarified that the decision was made by promoters, not him. The fallout led to Beoga, Sheeran’s former backing band, dropping out of the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The Irish folk group later joined the Free Palestine Tour, alongside Kneecap, the Belfast hip-hop trio known for their outspoken activism, and Hozier, who has long used his platform to advocate for Palestinian rights.

A Night of Music and Activism

The Dublin show was more than just a concert—it was a platform for advocacy. Macklemore opened the event by emphasizing the role of artists in using their influence for change, stating that “our platforms mean very little if we’re only willing to use them when it’s safe.” The night included performances from Lina Makoul, a Palestinian singer-songwriter, and M-1 of Dead Prez, whose presence underscored the tour’s commitment to amplifying Palestinian voices. DJ Habibeats, a Palestinian-American artist, also took the stage, blending music with cultural representation.

Guest speakers added depth to the event’s political message. Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones, delivered opening remarks, urging the crowd to remember the suffering in Gaza while celebrating Palestinian resilience. Activists Nadia Greenspan and Samir Eskanda further highlighted the humanitarian crisis, tying the evening’s performances to real-world impact. Even remotely, celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Julian Casablancas, and Cynthia Nixon showed their support, reinforcing the tour’s global reach.

Where the Proceeds Go

All proceeds from the Free Palestine Tour will benefit a coalition of organizations providing medical aid, education, and advocacy for Palestinians. According to organizers, beneficiaries include: - Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) - Palestinian Youth Movement - Heal Palestine - Palestine Children’s Relief Fund - Gaza Soup Kitchen - Jewish Voices for Peace - UNRWA USA National Committee

Macklemore has also pledged his $1 million in net earnings from the tour to these groups, ensuring that the financial impact extends beyond ticket sales. The tour’s structure reflects a growing trend of artists leveraging their platforms for humanitarian causes, particularly in regions facing ongoing conflict.

What’s Next for the Tour?

After Dublin, the Free Palestine Tour moves to Paris (October 29) and London (October 30), with both shows already sold out. The rapid sell-outs underscore the demand for events that blend music with activism, particularly among fans who value artists willing to take political stands. For Macklemore, this tour represents a continuation of his long-standing commitment to social justice, from his early advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights to his recent focus on Palestinian solidarity.

For fans unable to attend, the tour serves as a reminder of the power of music as a tool for change. Whether through performances, speeches, or donations, the Free Palestine Tour is shaping up to be one of the most impactful artist-led initiatives of the year, with its message of solidarity resonating far beyond the stage.