Macklemore calls out nine US arenas for rejecting his ‘Free Palestine’ tour

Macklemore says nine major US arenas declined to host his planned benefit tour for Palestine after learning the shows would support the cause. He argues the refusals reflect pressure on performers who speak in solidarity with Palestinians, and says he intends to continue organising concerts.

The rapper said he had first been offered dates before the end of the year, which were later withdrawn, and cited venues in New York, New Jersey, California, Washington state and Long Island. The list includes Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and Climate Pledge Arena. Madison Square Garden said it had limited availability and that Macklemore was not an arena-level act; he said his Europe tour had sold out shows in Dublin, Paris and London.