Macklemore has announced Free Palestine, a series of live performances beginning in Europe, with stops in Dublin, Paris and London next month.
The dates confirmed so far are: 3Arena, Dublin (October 26), Accor Arena, Paris (October 29) and OVO Arena Wembley (October 30).
“The concerts will bring Macklemore together with artists and friends for a series of performances that centre Palestine and Palestinians, and help provide humanitarian aid and support to the movement,” said a statement.
It follows the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour, from which Macklemore was dropped as support act after making pro-Palestine comments on stage. At the weekend, Sheeran opened his show with a statement acknowledging “mistakes” following Macklemore’s exit, a decision attributed to the promoter that prompted the other support acts to quit.
In a statement on Instagram, Macklemore noted that “my schedule freed up a bit”.
I’ve spent the last week reaching out to artists who have shown up and used their stages to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences
Macklemore
“I’ve spent the last week reaching out to artists who have shown up and used their stages to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences,” he said. “Artists who understand that our platforms mean very little if we’re only willing to use them when it’s safe.
“Because of how quickly all of this has come together, a lot of the conversations, schedules and details are still being worked out. But this is a moment of momentum, and there is work to be done.”
More cities and dates on Macklemore’s Live Nation-promoted tour will be announced in the coming weeks, including in the United States.
All proceeds from the concerts will benefit the following organisations: Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians. Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.
They cover medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support, advocacy, organising and media work connected to Palestinians.
