Macklemore on Dublin's Free Palestine show: "I had tears in my eyes the whole night"

Macklemore has shared a statement on Instagram following his Free Palestine tour show at Dublin's 3Arena on Monday night.

"I had tears in my eyes the whole night. Free Palestine Tour night one. One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever been a part of."

 

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The concert was the first date on his tour, which also includes shows in Paris on Thursday and London on Friday.

The US rapper was joined by Irish acts Hozier, KNEECAP, and Beoga for the concert. Other artists featured in the lineup included Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, rapper M-1 of Dead Prez, and DJ Habibeats, a Palestinian-American DJ and producer.

All proceeds from the tour will go to organisations that support Palestinians, according to organisers. Charities such as Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestinian Youth Movement, Heal Palestine, and more will receive donations.

Irish actor Liam Cunningham gave the opening remarks for the show.

"Enjoying tonight does not mean forgetting about the suffering in Gaza," he said.

"It means celebrating the humanity and life that Palestinians have fought so hard to protect."

Nadia Greenspan, a psychotherapist and activist, also featured on the lineup alongside activist and organiser Samir Eskanda.

There were video messages during the gig from actors Mark Ruffalo, Natasha Rothwell, and Cynthia Nixon. The Strokes singer Julian Casablancas and comedian Ilana Glazer also showed their support.

Macklemore's shows come after his exit from Ed Sheeran's LOOP tour in September. He was removed following his calls for a 'free Palestine' during his opening set in New Jersey.

Several stadium owners threatened to pull Sheeran's concert dates if the rapper was not cut from the tour.

Beoga and fellow Irish act Aaron Rowe were among the performers who withdrew from the tour following the decision, in solidarity with Macklemore.