American rapper Macklemore says nine US venues declined to host his Free Palestine benefit tour. He claimed arenas withdrew available dates after learning the performances would raise funds for Palestinians.
He named Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena and Prudential Center. The list also included Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Chase Center and Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Arenas allegedly withdrew available dates
Macklemore said organisers received available dates by mid-September, with options through the end of the year. However, he claimed discussions changed after venues learned about the tour’s purpose.
“The doors were closed,” he wrote, adding that conversations differed but produced the same outcome. He said he had never faced similar difficulties during more than 20 years of touring.
The announcement follows Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour earlier this year. The rapper voiced support for Palestinians during a performance and later said pressure from stadium interests contributed to his departure.
European benefit shows sell out
Macklemore recently completed three benefit performances in Dublin, Paris and London. He described the concerts as meaningful, saying all three shows sold out and attracted thousands of supporters.
He accused influential business figures of using pressure to restrict artists’ public statements. Macklemore said he would rather lose professional opportunities than remain silent about Palestinian suffering.
He pledged to organise further performances with other artists and campaigners. He said the tour’s fundraising mission and support for Palestinians would continue, even if organisers needed alternative venues.
The arenas have not all explained their decisions. Madison Square Garden Entertainment said its venues had extremely limited availability and described Macklemore as not being an arena-level act. Other venues had not immediately commented.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
