McLemore stated that US concert venues refused to host his 'Free Palestine' tour

American rapper McLemore announced on Friday that major concert venues in the US, including Madison Square Garden in New York, refused to book his 'Free Palestine' tour, which recently completed three shows in Europe.

This tour was initiated after McLemore was removed from the opening acts for Ed Sheeran's concert in August. The reason cited was a protest by stadium owners against his 'Free Palestine' statement on stage.

According to McLemore, social media indicated that nine American venues declined to allow him to perform on remaining dates until the end of the year. These locations included Madison Square Garden and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

He wrote in his post: 'The shows could not take place at these venues. In over 20 years of touring, I have never encountered anything like this.' McLemore performed 'Free Palestine' concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London to raise funds for organizations assisting Palestinians.

The musician added that he intends to collaborate with other artists and organizers to hold more events for this cause. He emphasized: 'We live in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech. However, we have reached a point where a handful of billionaires can decide what causes are acceptable, which voices are welcomed, and whose human lives are worth protecting.'

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www.middleeasteye.netOctober 31, 17:52

Macklemore concludes 'Free Palestine' tour in London, gathering support for Palestine

Macklemore concluded his three-day 'Free Palestine' tour, which gathered leading figures from music and activism, with a sold-out show in London, mobilizing people and attracting support for the defense of Palestine.

The rapper from the USA held his final performance at OVO Arena Wembley on Friday, October 30th. Popular artists such as Paloma Faith and Nemahsis, as well as climate activist Greta Thunberg and Palestinian activist Arab Barguti, son of detained Palestinian leader Marwan Barguti, participated in the concert.

It is reported that all concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London were sold out shortly after ticket sales began, according to reports and Macklemore's own statement.

This tour was organized after Macklemore was dropped from the remaining shows of Ed Sheeran's American tour in September, following his call for 'Free Palestine' during his performance in New Jersey.

Macklemore told the audience that silence regarding the war in Gaza had become more unbearable than stating his position. He shared his thoughts: 'I was scrolling through my feed, scrolling, and seeing the terrible, unimaginable catastrophe happening right before our eyes.' He continued: 'And at some point, I felt more uncomfortable staying silent than saying something. I don't think saying something is bravery. I don't think saying something is courage.'

He also raised the issue of borders and divisions separating people, asking himself: 'What are we doing as a global community to tear them down?' The rapper was met with shouts and slogans of 'Free Palestine' before performing his protest song 'Hind's Hall,' released in response to the war in Gaza. His set also featured hits such as 'Thrift Shop,' 'Same Love,' 'Glorious,' and 'Can't Hold Us.'

The three concerts were held as charity events, and all funds raised were directed to 12 Palestinian support organizations, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Jewish Voice for Peace, Palestinian Youth Movement, Institute for Middle East Understanding, and Glia.

iol.co.zaOctober 27, 09:20

Rapper Macklemore Launches 'Free Palestine' Tour After Exclusion from Ed Sheeran Show

American rapper Macklemore launched his new 'Free Palestine Tour' in Dublin on Monday. This followed the exclusion of the British pop star Ed Sheeran from his lineup as an invited artist due to Macklemore's pro-Palestine comments.

Before the first show in the Irish capital, which promoters say is sold out, enthusiastic fans highly praised the stance of the 43-year-old performer. Michael Keating, a 31-year-old insurance specialist, told AFP that Macklemore's support for Palestine is significant because he 'stood up and risked himself instead of taking the easy way out.'

Keating added that Macklemore is risking his popularity, future, and that of his family 'all for peace. And that is very important.'

The 'Thrift Shop' star was removed from Sheeran's American tour after shouting 'Free Palestine!' on stage and telling Palestinians that they 'are not forgotten.' Sheeran claimed that the decision to exclude Macklemore was made by the tour promoters, not by him, which caused outrage among musicians and activists supporting Palestine.

Grainne Healy, a 60-year-old retiree who came to the Dublin concert with an old school friend, stated: 'The US should be a country of free speech, but instead people are silenced. Sheeran should have supported what Macklemore was doing.'

Four other invited artists, including American singer Finneas, also declined to participate in Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Later, Sheeran publicly spoke about the situation in Gaza during a concert in Philadelphia, calling it 'unjustified and disproportionate.'

Last month, Macklemore announced his 'Free Palestine Tour,' scheduling performances in London and Paris at the end of October, as well as dates in the US. He specified that all proceeds would be directed to support Palestinian organizations.

Outside the 3Arena in Dublin, vendors offered fans flags combining Irish and Palestinian colors, caps with 'Free Palestine' inscriptions, and keffiyeh scarves in Palestinian style. One fan, 18-year-old student Freya Doherty, noted: 'Since Macklemore started talking about Palestine, we have become even more sympathetic to him.'

Maria Liddy, a 40-year-old woman wearing a red and white Palestinian-style keffiyeh scarf, said she came to 'show solidarity' with the Palestinian people, adding that 'artists should never be censored in any form.'