Macklemore says 'free Palestine' as he opens tour at Red Rocks

Macklemore called for a free Palestine and criticized ICE at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, his first show since he was dropped as an opening act from Ed Sheeran's North American tour over his pro-Palestinian remarks.

Rapper Macklemore called for a free Palestine on Thursday night as he played Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, his first show since he was removed as an opening act from Ed Sheeran's North American tour over his pro-Palestinian remarks.

During the 17-song set, Macklemore also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and spoke of people in America "who are afraid to leave their houses." "I say, free Sudan. I say, free Congo, Lebanon, to Haiti," he told the crowd, before closing with "The message will always be love."

Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in September, where he called for "all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality," said "free Palestine" and performed his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall." Responding to the criticism that followed, he said "wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial."

He later said that Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft and other stadium owners had objected to his appearances and that he was removed from the remaining North American dates of Sheeran's Loop tour. Several of Sheeran's support acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, withdrew in solidarity. Sheeran said the decision was the promoter's, not his.

Macklemore has pledged his $1 million in earnings from the Sheeran tour to organizations supporting Palestinians. His Free Palestine Tour continues with shows in Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30, with proceeds going to Palestinian causes. US dates have yet to be announced.

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