Macklemore Starts Sold-Out Dublin Show

Macklemore began his Free Palestine Tour on Monday night at the 3Arena in Dublin. The event was a sold-out benefit concert that featured a surprise lineup. Organizers kept the guest list private until the night of the show.

The Irish singer Hozier performed alongside the Irish rap group Kneecap. Palestinian-American DJ and producer DJ Habibeats also played. Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul and rapper M1 of Dead Prez rounded out the musical lineup.

Boega, the backing band that left Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, joined the bill for the Dublin show. The concert marked the first of three dates in the series. The tour continues at Paris’ Accor Arena on Oct. 29. It concludes at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 30.

Special guest speakers included Irish actor Liam Cunningham, activist and psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan, and artist Samir Eskanda. Cunningham addressed the audience from the stage. He stated that enjoying the music does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza. He added that the night was about celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought to protect.

All proceeds from the concerts will go to organizations supporting Palestine. A press release described the beneficiaries as providing medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance. It also noted work in education, community support, and advocacy. The release stated that these organizations serve families, children, healthcare workers, and students affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour last month. The decision followed headlines about Macklemore’s pro-Palestine speeches during his opening sets. Messina Touring Group, Sheeran’s promoter, said venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup. The group stated that this would impact hundreds of thousands of fans.

Sheeran addressed the situation onstage during his solo performances. He said he did not want to disappoint fans and had never wanted to be an activist musician. He described the controversy as a passionate argument about freedom of speech. Sheeran emphasized that his concerts are a safe space for everyone.

The singer expressed concern about venues pre-approving performance content. He said this practice happens in many places but should not occur in the free world. He added that honoring his commitment to fans is essential to his identity.

Macklemore announced the new tour on Instagram. He wrote that a collective awakening has occurred regarding Palestinian liberation over the last three years. He stated that being apolitical during a genocide no longer works in 2026. He said people are asking artists to show up, educate themselves, and use the stage for more than entertainment.