Macklemore accuses 9 major venues of rejecting 'Free Palestine' shows

Key Points:

• Macklemore accuses nine major U.S. concert venues, including Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center, of refusing to host his "Free Palestine" benefit tour after initially approving dates, citing their objection to the show's pro-Palestinian cause.
• The rapper, dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour due to his vocal support for Palestinians, criticizes the suppression of artists who speak out on the issue and emphasizes his commitment to Free Palestine despite career setbacks.
• Macklemore recently completed successful benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London, with all proceeds supporting 12 organizations aiding Palestinians through medical, humanitarian, educational, and advocacy efforts.
• He condemns billionaires' control over venues and the silencing of pro-Palestinian voices, urging artists to prioritize freedom of speech and collective liberation over brand deals and business relationships.
• Highlighting political shifts, Macklemore cites Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate race win as a sign of changing public attitudes and vows to continue organizing benefit concerts despite venue boycotts, stating, "We will build our own stages."