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Macklemore revealed plans for the tour in a statement shared across his social media channels, noting that his schedule had freed up after the split with Sheeran. The initial run opens October 26 at Dublin’s 3Arena, continues October 29 at Paris’ Accor Arena and concludes October 30 at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. He indicated that additional artists who have publicly backed Palestinian causes will join the bill, with further announcements expected alongside U.S. dates.
The Seattle-based performer, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, said all revenue from ticket sales will support a dozen groups focused on medical care, humanitarian relief and advocacy for Palestinians. Those organizations include Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Institute for Middle East Understanding, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA, according to the announcement. Macklemore added that the swift organization of the tour meant some logistics remained in flux but emphasized the current momentum around the issue.
The development follows Macklemore’s appearances as Sheeran’s opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, where he declared “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 protest track “Hind’s Hall.” A petition from the Israeli-American Council urged Sheeran’s team to remove him, while several venue operators informed promoters that they would not host shows featuring the rapper. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed to media outlets that the objections from stadiums risked canceling dates and affecting hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.
Macklemore addressed the situation in a lengthy Instagram post after his exit, stating that discussions with Sheeran had ended in fundamental disagreement and that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, had played a central role in the decision. Sheeran later issued his own statement clarifying that the choice was driven by promoters and venue stakeholders rather than personal preference, while noting concerns over the tone of some rhetoric. In his latest announcement Macklemore wrote that “what happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage” and warned that when “the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage,” broader attention is warranted.
The rapper has maintained a consistent public stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, releasing multiple tracks in 2024 that criticized Israel’s military campaign and voiced solidarity with campus protesters. He has repeatedly drawn distinctions between criticism of Israeli government policies and antisemitism, telling audiences during the New Jersey shows that his message sought peace and equality for all. Coverage from Billboard and Rolling Stone noted that Macklemore spent the week following his removal from the Loop Tour contacting performers who had faced consequences for similar expressions of support.
Presale registration for the three announced concerts opened via Macklemore’s website ahead of an artist presale on September 28, with general tickets becoming available September 30. He described the tour as an opportunity for artists to use their platforms beyond entertainment, writing that “being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore” and that audiences now expect musicians to engage with current events. Further European and North American stops will be detailed once schedules align, the statement added.
