Macklemore Closes Free Palestine Tour with Sold Out London Show

Macklemore concluded his three-date Free Palestine tour with a sold out performance at OVO Arena Wembley in London on Friday, October 30. The US rapper organized the benefit concerts after being removed from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop tour in September. Macklemore was dropped following his call for a Free Palestine during a show in New Jersey.

All three shows, held in Dublin, Paris, and London, sold out shortly after tickets were released. The events raised funds for 12 Palestinian supporting organizations. These groups included Medical Aid for Palestinians, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Speaking to the London audience, Macklemore explained that remaining silent about the war in Gaza felt more uncomfortable than speaking out. He described seeing a horrific catastrophe unfold in front of his eyes. He stated that he does not believe speaking out requires bravery or courage, but rather that it is a human act.

The London lineup featured several high profile guests. Climate activist Greta Thunberg opened the event. She argued that the occupation will not end through philanthropy or slogans alone. She called for solidarity to be accompanied by political change.

Arab Barghouti, son of detained Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, also addressed the crowd. He noted that his father has been imprisoned by Israel for more than 24 years. Barghouti said the oppressors hope the world will forget, but he insisted that hope cannot be imprisoned.

Singer Paloma Faith shared her views on the risks of taking a public stance. She questioned why her own children should be considered more important than children in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen. She told the audience that every child deserves to feel safe in their mother's arms.

The tour began in Dublin on October 26 at the 3Arena. That show featured performers including Hozier and the Belfast rap group Kneecap. Hozier highlighted that 55 students from Gaza are waiting for visa approval to study in Ireland. The second concert took place in Paris at the Accor Arena on October 29.

Macklemore closed his Wembley set by telling the crowd that the children in Gaza are our children. He asserted that there is no separation between people. The tour served as both a fundraising effort and a response to the controversy surrounding his removal from Sheeran’s tour.