Macklemore's Benefit Concert Draws Sold-Out Crowd in Dublin

Macklemore opened his Free Palestine Tour on Monday night at Dublin's 3Arena, a venue that filled completely for the benefit concert. The event marks a new chapter for the artist following his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour earlier this month. Fans paid admission to see a lineup that included Hozier, the Irish rapper Kneecap, and the Palestinian-American producer DJ Habibeats.

Organizers kept the full bill secret until the show began. Other performers on stage that evening included Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul and M1 of the hip-hop group Dead Prez. Boega, the backing band that left Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore, also played. The concert serves as the first of three sold-out dates, with the next stop scheduled for Paris' Accor Arena on Oct. 29 and a final performance at London's OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 30.

The Dublin show featured three special guest speakers. Irish actor Liam Cunningham addressed the crowd, as did activist and psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan and organizer Samir Eskanda. Cunningham used his segment to connect the night's entertainment to the ongoing situation in the region. According to published reports, he told the audience that enjoying the music did not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza, but rather celebrating the humanity that Palestinians have worked to protect.

All proceeds from the three-concert series will go to organizations supporting the Palestinian movement. A press release for the tour stated that these groups provide a wide range of services. These services include essential medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance. The release also noted that the funds support education, community aid, and advocacy efforts aimed at policy changes in various countries.

The tour announcement follows a public dispute that arose last month during Sheeran's U.S. trek. Macklemore was removed from the supporting act slot after he shared his message for a free Palestine during his opening set. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran's U.S. dates, issued a statement explaining the decision. The group said that venues threatened to cancel the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup, which would have impacted hundreds of thousands of fans.

Messina Touring Group stated that after discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore would not perform on the remaining support dates. The promoter emphasized that the venue threats forced the change to avoid a full tour cancellation.

Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy directly during a later performance. He explained that he did not want to disappoint his fans and had never intended to be an activist musician. Sheeran described the situation as placing him in the middle of a passionate argument regarding freedom of speech. He stated that his concerts have always been a safe space for everyone and that honoring that commitment is essential to his identity as an artist.

Sheeran expressed concern about the idea of venues pre-approving content for performance. He noted that while this practice happens in many places around the world, he believed it should not occur in the free world. He continued his tour on his own following the split.

In announcing his new tour on Instagram, Macklemore reflected on the events of the past few weeks. He wrote that a collective awakening regarding Palestinian liberation had occurred over the last three years. The artist argued that being apolitical during a genocide no longer works in 2026. He said people are now asking artists to show up, educate themselves, and use the stage for more than just entertainment.

Macklemore stated that the tour is a response to what he sees as an attempt to silence the call for a free Palestine. He emphasized the need for artists to push back and remain in community during this time.