Macklemore performs Free Palestine gig featuring Hozier and Kneecap

Macklemore performed his Free Palestine tour gig at Dublin's 3Arena on Monday night, joined by Irish acts Hozier, Kneecap and Beoga.

"The times are changing, we've never been prouder to be from the country we're from," Beoga told the audience, according to Rolling Stone.

Meanwhile Hozier celebrated Ireland's history of "global solidarity when it comes to emancipation and justice. A wonderful history of anti-racism, also."

The lineup for the event remained under wraps in the lead-up to the show. Palestinian singer-songwriter Lina Makoul performed early in the night, as well as rapper M-1 of Dead Prez and DJ Habibeats, a Palestinian-American DJ and producer.

All proceeds from the tour will go to organisations supporting Palestine and the Palestinian movement, according to organisers. These include Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestinian Youth Movement, Heal Palestine and more.

Irish actor Liam Cunningham delivered the opening remarks at the start of the night.

"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 appeared on the lineup alongside activist and organiser Samir Eskanda.

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

The Dublin show was the first of three European dates, with performances scheduled for Paris on Thursday and London on Friday.

Before hitting the stage, Macklemore went to Shaku Maku, a Palestinian restaurant in Rathmines, Dublin.

 

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In a social media post featuring photos of the rapper with the Shaku Maku owner, Adnan Shabab, as well as several employees, the restaurant wrote:

"His courage in speaking up for Palestine and using his platform to call for justice means so much to us. That solidarity is felt far beyond the stage. Thank you for standing with our people, for keeping Palestine in the conversation, and for joining us at our table."

The tour comes following Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour in September. The decision came after the Grammy-winning rapper made comments in support of Palestinians during a concert in New Jersey.

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