‘One Common Goal’: Macklemore, Aurora, and More Unite in Paris for Free Palestine Tour
Macklemore brought a group of musicians and guest speakers together for the second date of his Free Palestine Tour, a sold-out concert in Paris. The charity series followed his removal from Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour after he made onstage statements supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank; its proceeds are intended for organisations supporting Palestinians.
Aurora, Pomme, Portugal The Man and others performed, while speakers including UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for solidarity and action. Macklemore also performed “These Days” and “Can’t Hold Us”, during which he joined the crowd as green and red confetti fell. The tour began in Dublin, with Hozier and Kneecap among its guests, and was due to finish in London on Friday; beneficiaries include Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA’s National Committee.
In short
- Macklemore’s sold-out Paris show was the second stop on his Free Palestine Tour.
- Aurora and other artists performed alongside guest speakers.
- Proceeds are set to support several Palestinian aid and advocacy organisations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may see the concert as a legitimate act of solidarity with Palestinians facing severe hardship, using music and public attention to raise funds for aid organisations. They may also argue that artists should be free to speak on political issues and that the tour offers audiences a way to support humanitarian relief.
The case against
Critics may argue that a high-profile concert built around one political cause risks presenting a complex conflict through a narrow frame, particularly when speakers call for political action as well as aid. They may also question whether celebrity advocacy and fundraising can adequately reflect the range of views and concerns among people affected by the conflict.
Explained simply
The Free Palestine Tour is a series of benefit concerts organised by US rapper Macklemore to raise money for groups supporting Palestinians. It comes amid the Israel–Palestinian conflict, which includes the long-running Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the war in Gaza that followed the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023.
Macklemore’s public support for Palestinians led to his removal from Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour. The concerts bring musicians and speakers together, including UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, whose role is to report on human rights in the Palestinian territories.
Proceeds are intended for organisations including Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA’s National Committee. They provide or support humanitarian and medical assistance, so the concerts connect a music event with fundraising for people affected by the conflict.
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