Nine Major US Arenas Refuse Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour
American rapper Macklemore stated on social media that nine major U.S. concert venues have refused to book his Free Palestine tour, cbc.ca reported. The artist detailed the booking rejections following a three-date benefit run in Europe that raised funds for organizations supporting Palestinians.
The tour stems from an August dispute that began when the Seattle-based rapper was removed as the opening act for the U.S. leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour. Venue objections over his onstage comments—specifically his use of the phrase “Free Palestine“—prompted his removal, with some critics accusing him of antisemitism and hate speech. In solidarity, Sheeran’s supporting acts and live band subsequently quit the Loop tour.
Venues Blocking the Rapper’s U.S. Dates
Macklemore launched a European fundraising run in Dublin, London, and Paris, but stated he intended to bring the dates home to the United States. According to his social media posts cited by The Guardian, by mid-September his team secured a list of available dates through the end of the year at nine specific arenas. Those dates were canceled by management once the venues connected the inquiries to his Free Palestine tour.
The blocked venues include:
- Madison Square Garden in New York
- Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
- Barclays Center in Brooklyn
- UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y.
- Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
- Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
- Chase Center in San Francisco
- Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
In over 20 years of touring, I’ve never experienced anything like this,
Macklemore wrote on Instagram.
Venue Operators Dispute Booking Cancellation Claims
MSG Entertainment disputed the rapper’s characterization of the booking cancellations. A spokesperson for the company told cbc.ca, We have some of the busiest venues in the world with extremely limited availability and he’s not an arena level act.
Representatives for the Kia Forum did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As noted by Just Jared, he wrote in his statement, The intimidation, manipulation and suppression I experienced are part of how those in power keep entertainers quiet.
It’s their main tactic to keep us in line.
Shut up and dribble, or you will be punished.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour Cancellations
Where did Macklemore perform his initial benefit concerts?
Macklemore performed three benefit shows in Europe, stopping in Dublin, London, and Paris to raise funds for organizations providing humanitarian assistance, medical care, and support to Palestinians.
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
The rapper was removed from the lineup after making an onstage speech in support of Palestine and the occupied West Bank while opening for Sheeran in early September.
What did Macklemore say about his future touring plans in the United States?
Macklemore stated that despite being blocked from major arenas, he plans to work with other artists and organizers to bring the performances outside or build their own stages.
Artist Vows to Build Alternative Stages
While the nine major arenas cited by the artist remain unavailable for his bookings, Macklemore indicated that his commitment to the cause remains unchanged. We will build our own stages. They may own the arenas. But they do not own the people who fill them. And they never will,
he wrote in his concluding statement reported by cbc.ca.
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