Macklemore calls for 'Free Palestine' and condemns ICE at first show since Ed Sheeran tour controversy

Macklemore has reiterated his support for Palestine and condemned US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during his first concert since being removed from Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop tour over his pro-Palestinian statements.

The rapper performed a 17-song set at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on Thursday, October 22. During the show, he addressed the audience with a speech calling for freedom for Palestinians and people affected by conflicts and injustices around the world.

“Being a human being in this moment is not complicated,” Macklemore said. “It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffering and to say, ‘Not anymore!’ So I say, free Palestine. I say, free Palestine!”

The performance marked Macklemore’s return to the stage following the controversy surrounding his removal from Sheeran’s tour last month. The dispute began after the rapper called for a free Palestine during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in September and performed his 2024 protest song ‘Hind’s Hall’ alongside footage from Gaza.

His remarks prompted criticism from several groups and public figures, while the Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for him to be removed from the tour. Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft also objected to Macklemore appearing at Sheeran’s scheduled shows at the venue.

Macklemore subsequently announced that he had been dropped from the remaining dates. He said the decision followed discussions with Sheeran, who had told him that Kraft and other stadium owners objected to his presence on the line-up. Sheeran has not publicly provided a detailed account of the decision.

Following the fallout, Macklemore pledged his entire $1 million earnings from the tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians. He also announced a series of benefit concerts across the UK and Europe under the name Free Palestine Tour. The shows subsequently sold out.

In announcing the concerts, Macklemore said they had been organised quickly through community support, with the aim of raising funds and demonstrating solidarity with Palestinians. He also argued that music could be used to support calls for liberation, particularly when artists face pressure over their public statements.

The controversy has continued to draw reactions from musicians and other public figures. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello praised Macklemore for standing by his position, while other artists have weighed in on the dispute surrounding his removal from Sheeran’s tour.

Macklemore’s latest performance reinforces his commitment to using his platform to speak about Palestine and other humanitarian issues, despite the professional consequences that followed his earlier remarks.