Macklemore returned to the stage at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This was his first concert since being removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in September. Source: billboard.com.
What Happened at Red Rocks
During a 17-song set, Macklemore paused to speak directly to the audience. He called for ‘free Palestine’ and addressed humanitarian crises in Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, and Haiti.
He said, ‘Being a human being in this moment is not complicated.’ He added, ‘It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffer, and to say, ‘Not anymore!’’
He continued: ‘I say, free Sudan. I say, free Congo, Lebanon, to Haiti, to all the people affected by ICE in America who are afraid to leave their homes.’
Macklemore ended with: ‘The message will always be love.’ This shows his belief that music can inspire empathy and action.
Background: The Tour Exit
Earlier in September, Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as an opener for Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
During that show, he performed ‘Hind’s Hall,’ a 2024 protest song with imagery from Gaza. The performance drew criticism from groups like the Israeli-American Council.
They said the content was offensive and hurtful to Jewish communities. Afterward, tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues refused to host Macklemore.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, confirmed he barred Macklemore from performing there. He called the content offensive and hurtful to Jewish fans.
Public Response and Financial Actions
Ed Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his. He respected Macklemore’s commitment to speaking out. He added that his own approach is to ‘maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed.’
Macklemore pledged to donate his $1 million tour earnings to Palestinian aid groups. These include Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Robert Kraft later announced a $2 million donation to humanitarian aid in the region. This shows a shift from criticism to action.
Streaming and Public Engagement
Early data from Luminate, reported by Billboard, shows a sharp rise in Macklemore’s streams. His solo catalog grew 97% in two days — from just over 1 million to nearly 2 million U.S. on-demand streams.
‘Hind’s Hall’ surged from just over 5,000 streams on Sept. 13 to nearly 87,000 on Sept. 15 — its highest daily total in over two years.
This spike shows growing public interest in music that addresses social and political issues.
What’s Next
Macklemore has launched a Free Palestine Tour. Sold-out shows are set for Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29, and London on Oct.
Proceeds from these concerts will go to Palestinian aid organizations. This reinforces his use of music as a platform for advocacy.
The controversy has sparked broader conversations about artist responsibility, free speech, and music’s role in social justice.
While some have criticized his message, the response shows how music can amplify urgent global issues and inspire public engagement.
For more on Macklemore’s music, visit Billboard’s Macklemore page. For details on Ed Sheeran’s tour, see his upcoming tour announcement. For a deeper look at the tour controversy, see the original report.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 19: American rapper Macklemore performs live on stage during the 5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival on July 19, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images). Via original publisher. Image source
