Macklemore Starts Three-City Benefit Series in Dublin, Paris, and London

Macklemore performed to a sold-out crowd at Dublin’s 3Arena on Monday night, marking the opening act for a three-city benefit concert series. The event raised funds for organizations supporting Palestine and the Palestinian movement. The remaining two dates are scheduled for Paris’ Accor Arena on Oct. 29 and London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 30. All proceeds from the three shows will go to these designated organizations.

Organizers kept the lineup secret until the day of the show. The bill included Hozier, Kneecap, Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats, singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, and rapper M1 of Dead Prez. Boega, the backing band that left Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, also performed. The decision not to announce the lineup in advance was part of the event's planning.

The tour follows Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour last month. Macklemore was dropped after he shared his "free Palestine" message during his opening sets. Sheeran’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, stated that venues hosting the U.S. dates threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. The promoter said that keeping him on the lineup would result in tour cancellation and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.

Messina Touring Group issued a statement explaining the decision. The group said they were notified by venues that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup. After discussions with stakeholders, it was decided that Macklemore would not perform on the remaining support dates. This move allowed Sheeran to continue his tour without further venue conflicts.

Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy directly from the stage during his own performances. He said he did not want to disappoint fans or become an activist musician, but the situation placed him in the middle of a debate on freedom of speech. Sheeran emphasized that his concerts have always been a safe space for everyone. He expressed concern that venues pre-approving content for performance, noting that this practice should not happen in the free world.

On Monday in Dublin, special guest speakers included Irish actor Liam Cunningham, activist and psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan, and artist and organizer Samir Eskanda. Cunningham spoke to the audience about the purpose of the night. He stated that enjoying the concert does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza. Instead, he said, it means celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought to protect.

A press release detailed the types of work the beneficiary organizations undertake. These groups provide essential medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance. They also advance education, community support, and advocacy for policy change. The release noted that the concerts center on the Palestinian families, children, healthcare workers, students, artists, and communities affected by the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Macklemore announced the tour on Instagram, reflecting on the shifts in public sentiment over the last three years. He described a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation and the power of billionaires attempting to censor that call. He wrote that being apolitical during a genocide no longer works in 2026. He noted that people are asking artists to use their stages for more than entertainment and to push back when calls for Free Palestine are met with attempts to silence them.