Benefit Series: Macklemore Opens Sold-Out Run in Dublin
The first of three arena shows raises funds for Palestinian groups after the rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour last month.
By Andrew Yang ·
Three arenas have sold out for a new benefit concert series led by Macklemore, with the first show taking place on Monday night at Dublin’s 3Arena. The event marks the immediate return of the rapper to the stage following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour last month.
The timeline leading to this week began with Macklemore’s opening sets for Sheeran, where he shared messages supporting a free Palestine. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of the tour, announced his departure after venues threatened to cancel shows if he remained on the bill. The decision affected hundreds of thousands of fans and resulted in Macklemore missing the remaining support dates.
Sheeran addressed the split directly during his subsequent performances. He stated that he did not want to disappoint fans and noted that the situation placed him in the middle of a debate regarding freedom of speech. The singer expressed concern about venues pre-approving content, calling such practices incompatible with a free world. He continued his tour as originally planned, performing on his own for the remaining dates.
Macklemore launched his independent benefit series in response to what he described as a collective awakening. In a post on Instagram, he argued that being apolitical during a genocide no longer functions as a viable stance for artists in 2026. He emphasized the expectation for performers to use their platforms for education and community support rather than solely for entertainment.
The Dublin concert featured a lineup that included Hozier, the Irish rap group Kneecap, and Palestinian-American DJ Habibeats. Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul and rapper M1 of the group Dead Prez also performed. Boega, the backing band that withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, played at the venue as well. Organizers kept the full lineup private until the night of the show.
Special guests took the stage to address the audience. Irish actor Liam Cunningham spoke about the duality of celebration and memory, noting that enjoying the night does not mean forgetting the suffering in Gaza. He described the performance as a celebration of the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought to protect. Activist and psychotherapist Nadia Greenspan and artist Samir Eskanda also served as guest speakers.
All proceeds from the three-concert series will go to organizations supporting the Palestinian movement. A press release outlined the scope of the work these groups perform. Their activities range from providing medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance to advancing education and community support. The release highlighted the imperative need for policy change in countries described as complicit.
The series will continue in Europe this week. The next show is scheduled for October 29 at Paris’ Accor Arena. The final performance of the run is set for October 30 at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. Both remaining dates have sold out, matching the capacity of the opening night in Dublin.
The benefit structure aligns with the specific goals outlined in the promotional materials. These organizations aim to support Palestinian families, children, healthcare workers, students, artists, and communities. The release stated that the lives and futures of these groups continue to be impacted by the ongoing situation in Gaza. The concerts serve as a financial mechanism to support these direct aid efforts.
