Macklemore’s three-show“Free Palestine Tour”ended with a sold-out night at OVO Arena Wembley on October 30, drawing around 10,000 people. The bill was stacked: Greta Thunberg opened with a speech, Paloma Faith and Palestinian-Canadian singer Nemahsis performed, and activists including Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos also spoke. Macklemore closed with a headline set featuring“Hind’s Hall”and“Can’t Hold Us.”
The benefit run exists because of what came before it. Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US“Loop Tour”after making pro-Palestinian statements on stage, so he built his own European shows instead. Proceeds are going to 12 organisations supporting Palestinians, including Medical Aid for Palestinians and UNRWA USA. Thunberg used her opening speech to praise Gaza’s resilience and push beyond fundraising, saying the occupation“will not end by philanthropy and slogans.”
One detail Macklemore shared himself: he said 50 members of the House of Lords asked the Home Secretary to block his UK visit, and the effort failed. Whatever your take on the politics, the story is now part of the bigger debate about celebrity activism, free speech and the cost of speaking out. Do you think artists should use their stage for politics, or keep the shows about the music?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.