Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after ‘free Palestine’ speech
Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour following his on-stage speech calling for a free Palestine. The decision was made by the tour promoter after venues threatened to cancel shows if the rapper remained on the lineup. The incident sparked significant debate among fans and public figures regarding political expression at concerts.
- ▪Macklemore delivered a speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, 2026, explicitly stating 'Free Palestine' and criticizing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- ▪Promoter Messina Touring Group announced Macklemore's removal from the tour after venues in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and Atlanta indicated they would not host the concert with him on the bill.
- ▪The Israeli American Council and the group StopAntisemitism publicly demanded his removal, while singer Pink expressed concern about the impact of the speech on Jewish fans.
- ▪Macklemore was scheduled to open for Ed Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten US tour dates, which are set to resume in September and conclude in November in Tampa, Florida.
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Macklemore performing on stage at the Goldencoast Rap Festival in Corcelles-les-Monts on 3o August. Photograph: Arnaud Finistre/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenMacklemore performing on stage at the Goldencoast Rap Festival in Corcelles-les-Monts on 3o August. Photograph: Arnaud Finistre/AFP/Getty ImagesMacklemoreMacklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after ‘free Palestine’ speechThe American rapper will no longer support Sheeran’s US leg of Loop tour after comments at MetLife Stadium showAdrian HortonMon 14 Sep 2026 11.39 EDTLast modified on Mon 14 Sep 2026 11.52 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMacklemore has been dropped from the remainder of the US leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour, after the American rapper drew headlines for saying “free Palestine” on stage at MetLife…
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