Macklemore reports that the tickets for all three shows of his newly announced tour aimed at raising funds for organizations supporting Palestinians were quickly sold out.
This development occurred shortly after the four-time Grammy winner unveiled the October tour dates in Dublin, Paris, and London, dubbing it the Free Palestine tour.
Details about who will be performing alongside Macklemore have not been disclosed yet. The initial announcement of the tour mentioned that the shows would feature the rapper “and friends.” Macklemore mentioned on Wednesday that the lineups would be revealed soon.
The rapper revealed the three-show European tour after being removed as the opening act for English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour. Expressing his gratitude, Macklemore stated on Instagram, “I’m honestly blown away.” He emphasized the swift organization of the shows and the belief in musicians’ ability to support Palestine, raise funds, and demonstrate the power of collective action.
When contacted about the possibility of bringing the tour to Canada, Macklemore’s representatives did not respond. The artist expressed his appreciation to Dublin, Paris, and London for their overwhelming support.
According to a press release from Live Nation, the tour will benefit various Palestinian aid organizations, including Gaza Soup Kitchen, Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, and UNRWA USA, the American committee of the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees.
The decision to embark on this tour followed Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour due to pressure from the owners of several American venues threatening to cancel Sheeran’s shows if Macklemore continued as the opening act.
Sheeran subsequently issued a statement, revealing that Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, was among those threatening to cancel shows. Kraft’s company owns Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., and several professional sports teams.
Macklemore, known for his longstanding pro-Palestinian stance, has previously made similar statements on different platforms.
After Sheeran’s announcement, all other opening acts, including his backing band, withdrew from the tour. Sheeran addressed the controversy at his Philadelphia show on Sept. 19, stating that he had never intended to be an activist musician.
The performances at Gillette Stadium were eventually canceled due to severe weather conditions.