Macklemore plays sold-out benefit in Dublin
The concert was the first of three in a series supporting Palestinian organizations, following his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour.
By Kevin Parker ·
Macklemore performed a sold-out benefit concert in Dublin on Monday night.
The event was the opening night of a three-city tour that includes shows in Paris and London.
Organizers kept the lineup secret until the doors opened.
Hozier, Kneecap, DJ Habibeats, Lina Makoul, and M1 of Dead Prez joined Macklemore on stage at 3Arena.
Boega, the backing band that left Ed Sheeran's tour in support of Macklemore, also performed.
The tour will continue at Accor Arena in Paris on October 29.
A final concert is scheduled for OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 30.
Liam Cunningham, Nadia Greenspan, and Samir Eskanda spoke as special guests during the Dublin show.
Cunningham told the crowd that enjoying the night does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza.
He said the event celebrates the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought to protect.
All proceeds from the three concerts will go to organizations supporting the Palestinian movement.
A press release stated these groups provide medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the region. The release also noted that the organizations work on education, advocacy, and policy change in other countries. The release described the concert series as being centered on the families, children, and workers in Gaza who are affected by the ongoing conflict. The text used the word genocide to describe the situation in Gaza. Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour last month. Sheeran's promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. The promoter stated that hundreds of thousands of fans would have been impacted by a cancellation. Macklemore had shared his message for a free Palestine during his opening sets for Sheeran. Sheeran later spoke about the decision to drop Macklemore from the remaining support dates. Sheeran said he did not want to be an activist musician but felt caught in an argument about freedom of speech. He stated that his concerts have always been a safe space for everyone. Sheeran also expressed concern that venues pre-approve performance content. He said this practice should not happen in the free world. Macklemore announced the new tour on Instagram. He wrote that a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation has occurred over the last three years. He said that being apolitical during a genocide no longer works in 2026. He added that people are asking artists to use their stages for more than just entertainment.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
