Macklemore launched his Free Palestine concert tour in Dublin, pledging continued support for Palestinians after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.
Webdesk- Amina houth
DUBLIN: American rapper Macklemore has vowed to continue speaking out against Israel’s war on Gaza as he launched his “Free Palestine” concert tour in Dublin, Ireland, following his removal from British singer Ed Sheeran’s US tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.
The Grammy-winning rapper received a loud reception at Dublin’s 3Arena on Monday, where all 13,000 tickets sold out within minutes. Fans attended carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyeh scarves, while the audience repeatedly chanted “Free Free Palestine” throughout the concert.
Macklemore expressed solidarity with Palestinians, saying he would continue advocating for collective liberation. He waved a Palestinian flag during much of his performance and criticised what he described as attempts to silence support for Palestine.
“Those two words are so threatening to some people that we’d rather silence those two words than confront what they actually mean,” he said, referring to the phrase “Free Palestine.”
The rapper was removed from Sheeran’s US tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Macklemore had criticised the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Several Irish musicians and international celebrities joined the Dublin concert in support of the Palestinian cause. Performers included Hozier, Irish rap group Kneecap, Beoga, Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul and Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats. Activist and actor Liam Cunningham also addressed the audience between performances.
Actors Mark Ruffalo, Ilana Glazer, Cynthia Nixon and Natasha Rothwell were among the celebrities who sent prerecorded video messages. Ruffalo called for continued support for a free Palestine, stating that peace would not be possible without equality. Julian Casablancas, lead singer of The Strokes, also urged people to protect civilians and support efforts towards a just world.
According to the report, Sheeran said stadium owners at the remaining tour venues had threatened to prohibit further shows featuring Macklemore on the bill.
The concert took place amid the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Palestinian authorities have reported more than 74,000 deaths during Israel’s military assault, which began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack killed approximately 1,200 people, according to the figures cited in the report.
Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” tour is scheduled to continue in Paris and London, with additional performances in the United States expected to be announced later.
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