Macklemore urges unity at first Palestine benefit show in Dublin
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
New coverage of Macklemore’s first “Free Palestine” show highlights his appeal for unity and his argument that the phrase expresses a call for freedom and shared humanity. Speaking in Dublin, he said the words had become more controversial than the suffering that, in his view, made them necessary, and described music as a way to bring people together.
The Dublin date began a three-show run with stops in Paris and London, featuring surprise appearances by Hozier and Kneecap; proceeds are going to charities supporting Palestine. Macklemore also donated his $1 million fee from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after being removed from its remaining dates in September. That followed political speeches at two New Jersey concerts, which drew backlash and a petition calling for his removal.
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In short
- Macklemore opened his three-show tour in Dublin with a call for unity.
- He said “Free Palestine” reflects freedom and shared humanity.
- Tour proceeds and his $1 million fee support Palestine charities.
How this story developed
- 14 minutes ago Macklemore further described “Free Palestine” as a call grounded in love and dignity, saying the phrase had become more controversial than the suffering that, in his view, made it necessary.
- 20 minutes ago Coverage of Macklemore’s first “Free Palestine” show in Dublin focused on his call for unity and his view that the phrase expresses freedom and shared humanity, as he argued that music could bring people together. The concert launched a three-date run in Paris and London, with Hozier and Kneecap making surprise appearances and proceeds going to charities supporting Palestine; Macklemore had also donated his $1 million fee from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after being dropped from its remaining dates following political speeches in New Jersey that prompted backlash and a removal petition.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that calling for a free Palestine is a plea for Palestinians’ freedom, dignity and equal rights, and that describing it as threatening can shut down legitimate political expression. Macklemore’s appeal to shared humanity, charitable fundraising and music as a means of solidarity reflects a good-faith effort to oppose suffering and bring people together.
The case against
Critics can argue that the phrase and the setting may be heard not only as a call for Palestinian rights but also as taking a side in a deeply painful conflict, where people disagree about what freedom and resistance mean in practice. They may see a prominent performer’s speeches at concerts as divisive or as giving too little attention to Israeli security and the fears of those who hear the slogan as threatening, even if that is not his intended meaning.
Explained simply
Macklemore is an American rapper whose songs include “Thrift Shop” and “Same Love”. The phrase “Free Palestine” is used by people calling for Palestinian freedom and rights, though people disagree about what it means in practice and how it relates to Israel.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-running dispute involving land, security, statehood and the rights of Palestinians and Israelis. Palestinians live mainly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while Israel is a state established in 1948; the conflict has led to repeated wars and deep divisions internationally.
Artists sometimes use concerts and public speeches to draw attention to political causes, while their comments can prompt criticism and debate about their role in public life. Macklemore’s tour links those issues with fundraising for charities supporting Palestinians.
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Originally published by Variety as “Macklemore Calls for Unity During First ‘Free Palestine’ Show: ‘Those Two Words Are So Threatening to Some People’”.