Macklemore begins European tour after Ed Sheeran split
The rapper performed to a sold-out crowd in Dublin following his removal from the British singer's US leg.
By Marcus Reed ·
American rapper Macklemore launched his new concert run in Dublin on Monday. He opened the show by declaring his intent to keep vocalizing opposition to the war in Gaza. The event marks the start of a tour named Free Palestine, which was organized after Macklemore was removed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran.
The conflict between the two musicians began six weeks ago at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore criticized Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank while using the phrase Free Palestine. He stated on stage in Ireland that those two words became so controversial that some preferred to silence them rather than address the suffering behind them. This remark triggered his removal from Sheeran's remaining US dates.
Dublin's 3Arena hosted the first show of the new run. All 13,000 tickets sold within minutes of going on sale. The audience was largely draped in Palestinian flags and sporting jerseys in the colors black, red, and green. Vendors outside the venue sold keffiyeh scarves to fans waiting in line.
Supporting acts included Irish artists Hozier, Kneecap, and Beoga. Beoga had previously quit Sheeran's tour to stand with Macklemore. Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul and DJ Habibeats also performed. Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones, spoke between sets. He is one of several pro-Palestinian activists participating in the show.
Ed Sheeran explained that stadium owners for the remaining dates threatened to block future shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. This decision effectively ended the opening act arrangement for the US leg of their joint tour.
Macklemore waved a Palestinian flag during his set and urged the audience to continue fighting for collective liberation. A fan named Siobhan Lyons described the rapper as a speaker for their time. She said the performance made her feel like she wanted to be part of a larger movement.
The tour will move to Paris and London later this week. Macklemore has indicated that US dates will be announced after the European leg concludes.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
