The rapper used his first show since the fallout to double down on his support for Palestine and speak out against ICE, making it clear he isn’t backing away from his beliefs. Macklemore is back onstage, and he clearly has a lot more to say. He performed his first show since being removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour last month, and he didn’t exactly shy away from the controversy that got him there in the first place. During his October 22 performance at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine,” condemned ICE, and spoke out in support of people experiencing suffering and injustice around the world.
According to NME, he stated that “Being a human being in this moment is not complicated,” he told the crowd. “It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffering and to say, ‘Not anymore!’” He went on to call for freedom for Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, and Haiti, while also speaking about people in the US affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He wrapped up his message with a simple statement: “The message will always be love.”
But to understand why this performance is making headlines, we have to rewind to September, when Macklemore was opening for Sheeran on the North American leg of his Loop Tour. During a show at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore spoke out in support of Palestinians and performed his protest track “Hind’s Hall,” which was released in 2024 amid student protests over the war in Gaza. His comments sparked backlash, including criticism from the Israeli-American Council and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also owns Gillette Stadium.
The tour promoter confirmed that the rapper would no longer appear on the remaining support dates, explaining that some venues would not allow the shows to go ahead with him on the lineup. Kraft, meanwhile, said his decision was based on what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while stressing that advocating for Palestinians should not come at the expense of the Jewish community. Macklemore has defended his right to speak about Palestinian suffering and has said he holds no ill will toward Sheeran.
Rather than stepping back from the conversation, Macklemore announced a series of benefit concerts under the name Free Palestine Tour. The UK and European shows are intended to raise money for organisations supporting Palestinians, including groups providing humanitarian assistance, medical care, and education. The response has been strong, with the shows selling out. His Red Rocks performance now feels like another chapter in that decision to keep speaking out, regardless of the professional consequences. This isn’t exactly new territory for Macklemore. Throughout his career, he has used music to explore social issues, from LGBTQ+ equality in “Same Love” to the political message behind “Hind’s Hall.” Whether people agree with his approach or not, he has made it clear that he sees performing as more than just entertainment.
Whatever comes next, Macklemore has made one thing clear: he’s willing to use the stage for more than just the hits.
Photo Credit: April Siese
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