Macklemore's Dublin Gig Sells Out in Minutes as Tour Launches

American rapper Macklemore kicked off his Free Palestine tour in Dublin on Monday, performing to a sold-out crowd at the 3Arena. The concert marks the start of a new schedule following his removal from Ed Sheeran's North American tour. The Dublin show was fully booked within minutes of tickets going on sale, with 13,000 seats claimed by fans eager to see the Grammy-winning artist perform.

The atmosphere inside the venue reflected the political energy surrounding the event. Attendees wore Palestinian flags, keffiyeh scarves, and red, black, and green football jerseys. Vendors outside the arena sold additional scarves to those arriving early. Macklemore waved a Palestinian flag throughout his set, and the audience chanted Free Palestine during the performance.

Macklemore addressed the controversy directly on stage. He noted that he was dropped from Sheeran's bill six weeks prior after using the phrase Free Palestine at a show in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. The rapper stated that he criticized the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the West Bank during that appearance. He argued that the two words became more controversial than the suffering that necessitated them. He told the Dublin audience that he is proud to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and will continue fighting for collective liberation until his last breath.

The lineup included several Irish musicians who had previously criticized Israel. Hozier, the rap group Kneecap, and Beoga performed in support. Beoga had left Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Palestinian singer Lina Makhoul and DJ Habibeats also played. Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham spoke between sets to the audience.

Siobhan Lyons, a Dublin resident who attended with her daughter, described the need for a public figure to voice these views. She said the performance made her feel like she was part of something alive. Lyons noted that she wanted a speaker for their time who could reach out to people effectively.

Ed Sheeran, one of the world's top-selling recording artists, explained that stadium owners for his remaining dates threatened to block further shows if Macklemore stayed on the bill. Palestinian authorities report that more than 74,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza since October 7, 2023. Israeli officials deny that their actions constitute genocide. Macklemore plans to take the tour to Paris and London this week, with US dates to be announced later.