Dublin Concert: Macklemore Opens Benefit Series

Macklemore performed a sold-out show at the 3Arena in Dublin on Monday night. The event marked the start of his Free Palestine Tour, a three-city benefit series that follows his sudden departure from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Organizers kept the lineup secret until the doors opened, revealing a roster that included Hozier, Kneecap, and Boega, the backing band that left Sheeran's tour in solidarity.

The concert series continues on October 29 at the Accor Arena in Paris. The final date is scheduled for October 30 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London. All three venues have sold out their capacity.

The conflict began last month when Macklemore delivered speeches supporting Palestine during his opening sets for Sheeran. Venues hosting the U.S. leg of the Loop Tour reportedly threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran, issued a statement explaining the decision.

“We have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup,” the promoter said. “This would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.”

Sheeran addressed the controversy directly during a recent performance. He stated that he did not want to disappoint fans or become an activist musician, yet the situation placed him in the middle of a debate over free speech. “My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone,” Sheeran said. “That matters hugely to me.”

The singer expressed concern about venues pre-approving content. “This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” he added.

Macklemore responded to the split with a post on Instagram. He wrote that a collective awakening had occurred regarding Palestinian liberation over the last three years. “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” he wrote. “People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community.”

Special guest speakers at the Dublin show included Irish actor Liam Cunningham, activist Nadia Greenspan, and organizer Samir Eskanda. Cunningham took the stage to connect the entertainment with the cause. “Enjoying tonight does not mean forgetting about the suffering in Gaza,” Cunningham said. “It means celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought so hard to protect.”

The proceeds from all three concerts will go to organizations supporting the Palestinian movement. A press release for the tour noted that the funds will support medical supplies, food, education, and advocacy. The release highlighted that the series centers on the families and communities in Gaza who are impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The lineup for the Dublin show also included Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats, singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, and rapper M1 of Dead Prez. The presence of these artists alongside the main headliners underscored the specific focus of the benefit. The tour moves to Paris next, where the same format of benefit performance is expected to continue.