Macklemore Opens Three-City Benefit Series in Dublin After Sheeran Split
The rapper sold out 3Arena Monday, with further shows set for Paris and London, following his removal from the Loop Tour.
By Aaron Foster ·
Macklemore played a sold-out benefit concert at the 3Arena in Dublin on Monday, the first event of a three-city series that also includes stops in Paris and London. The performance marks the start of a new tour following his abrupt departure from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour last month.
The Dublin show featured Hozier, Kneecap, DJ Habibeats, Lina Makoul, and M1 of Dead Prez. Boega, the backing band that left Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, also performed. Organizers kept the lineup secret until the night of the show. The remaining concerts are scheduled for the Accor Arena in Paris on October 29 and the OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 30. All proceeds will go to organizations supporting Palestine.
Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour after he shared pro-Palestine messages during his opening sets. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran’s U.S. leg, stated that venues threatened to cancel if Macklemore remained on the bill. The group noted that the decision impacted hundreds of thousands of fans. Sheeran later addressed the split onstage, saying he did not want to disappoint fans and that his concerts are a safe space for everyone.
Sheeran expressed concern about venues pre-approving content for performance. He called it a practice that should not happen in the free world. In an Instagram post announcing the new tour, Macklemore wrote that something has shifted in the last three years. He said being apolitical during a genocide no longer works and that people expect artists to use their stages for more than entertainment.
Special guest speakers at the Dublin event included actor Liam Cunningham, psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan, and artist Samir Eskanda. Cunningham told the audience that enjoying the night does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza. He said the concert is about celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought to protect. A press release described the beneficiary organizations as providing medical supplies, food, education, and advocacy.
The release stated that these groups support Palestinian families, children, and healthcare workers. It noted that the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to impact these communities. The tour serves as a direct financial support mechanism for these causes. The series will conclude in London at the end of the month.
