Macklemore calls for Palestinian freedom at Colorado concert

American rapper Macklemore called for Palestinian freedom at his first concert after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian remarks, saying it was a matter of humanity, not politics.

American rapper Macklemore called for Palestinian freedom at a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. It was his first performance after he was removed from the opening lineup for the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian statements.

“This is not a political issue, but a matter of humanity. Seeing other people suffer and saying ‘enough’ — that is humanity,” the musician said from the stage. He also called for freedom for Sudan, Congo, Lebanon and Haiti, addressed people in the United States who are afraid to leave their homes because of the immigration agency ICE, and concluded: “Our message will always be love.”

Removal from Sheeran’s tour

In September, while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore said “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 song Hind’s Hall, dedicated to six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza during an Israeli strike.

The rapper later said that objections from the owners of several stadiums led to his removal from the tour’s remaining North American concerts. In solidarity, several other artists, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, also left the tour. Sheeran said the decision had been made by the promoter, not by him.

Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall, renamed Hind’s Hall by students (archive)

Macklemore pledged to donate the $1 million he earned from Sheeran’s tour to organizations helping Palestinians. His “For Palestine” tour, with proceeds going to Palestinian causes, will continue with concerts in Dublin on October 26, Paris on October 29 and London on October 30.