Macklemore Calls for "Free Palestine" at Red Rocks as Venues Pull Dates

Macklemore called for a "free Palestine" from the stage at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Oct. 22, during a 17-song set. Billboard reported that it was his first concert since opening for Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in September.

In the same set, he spoke about Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, Haiti and people affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency that enforces immigration law. Earlier this year he had called ICE "this terrorist organization" in remarks that also included "free Palestine." At two shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he performed his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall" alongside imagery from Gaza.

Those remarks have cost him dates. Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour in September after comments made to a New Jersey crowd, according to Newsweek. Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter and venues, not by him. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues on the upcoming U.S. run would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.

Robert Kraft barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium. Kraft cited rhetoric and imagery he said were offensive and hurtful to members of the Jewish community. He also announced a $2 million contribution to humanitarian aid in the region.

Several performers also stepped away from Sheeran's shows after the row. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Sheeran's backing band, Beoga, withdrew from scheduled appearances. Pink had earlier shared a post criticising Macklemore's Palestine comments during a performance on the tour, and she later addressed the backlash.

Macklemore has pledged the $1 million he earned from his stint on Sheeran's tour to organisations providing aid to Palestinians. He has also organised a Free Palestine Tour. Shows are scheduled for Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30, and all three are sold out. Proceeds are set to go to the Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

For the ticket holders in Dublin, Paris and London, the dates are the next fixed points on the calendar. For Macklemore, the tour is a return to the stage on his own terms, with the proceeds going to named charities rather than to a support slot.