Macklemore Says Free Palestine Tour “Sold Out Immediately”

After Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his pro-Palestine comments, the rapper has revealed that his own “Free Palestine” Tour has sold out. The “Can’t Hold Us” artist took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that “all three shows sold out immediately.” “I’m honestly blown away,” Macklemore wrote. “We put these shows together fast and in community, believing that musicians can stand in solidarity with Palestine, use the stage to raise funds and show what collective action can look like. When those in power try to silence our calls for liberation, art will always be a form of resistance. “Dublin, Paris and London, thank you for showing up the way you did. The response to these shows is another reminder of how many people across the world are standing together for a free Palestine,” he continued, adding that the lineup will be announced soon. “Can’t wait to be together.” Last week, Macklemore initially announced his “Free Palestine” Tour, noting that “all proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.” This came days after The Hollywood Reporter learned that the rapper was dropped as an opener for Sheeran‘s Loop Tour after making headlines for his pro-Palestine speeches during his performances earlier in September. At the time, the tour promoter stated that upcoming venues hosting shows, including Gillette Stadium, owned by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, threatened to pull out if Macklemore remained on the lineup. Amid the fallout, Finneas, Danish pop band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who were all expected to open for Sheeran on tour, dropped out in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran released his own lengthy statement on the matter, saying in part, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.” The “Shape of You” singer added that he also “spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge” and “was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.” Sheeran further addressed the backlash during his concert in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Stadium on Sept. 19. “I am trying in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division. About humanity, not politics,” he told the crowd. “But, this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore. “What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate,” the artist added. Macklemore first drew controversy when he shared his pro-Palestinian message and imagery onstage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium while opening for Sheeran earlier in September. Afterward, several pro-Israel organizations and singer Pink called for his removal from the tour. He quickly doubled down, writing on social media, “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.” The rapper previously faced backlash in 2014 when he wore a costume that was widely criticized as antisemitic. He apologized for the costume at the time.