Dublin hosts as Macklemore launches sold-out Free Palestine tour with Hozier, Kneecap and Sheeran backing band

Surprise lineup in Dublin

The concert at Dublin’s 3Arena featured Hozier, Kneecap, DJ Habibeats, Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul and M1 of Dead Prez. Organizers had not announced the performers in advance. Boega, the band that withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, was also on the bill. Special guests included Irish actor Liam Cunningham, activist and psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan, and artist and organizer Samir Eskanda.

Proceeds to support Palestinians

The Dublin show was the first of three sold-out dates. The tour continues at Paris’ Accor Arena on Oct. 29 and London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Oct. 30.

All concert proceeds will go to organizations supporting Palestine and the Palestinian movement, including groups providing medical supplies, food and humanitarian aid, as well as education, community support and advocacy. Cunningham told the audience that enjoying the event did not mean forgetting Gaza’s suffering, according to published reports. He described the concert as a celebration of Palestinian humanity and life.

Removal from Sheeran tour

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour last month after making pro-Palestine statements during his opening sets. Sheeran’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues had warned they would not host shows with Macklemore on the lineup, risking cancellations and affecting fans.

Sheeran later said onstage that he did not want to disappoint fans and had not sought to be an activist musician. He described the dispute as involving free speech and a complex political issue, and said he was continuing the tour on his own.