From NME · · 1m 20s
Macklemore's US Tour Rejected by Nine Arenas
Nine US arenas rejected Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' tour, claiming venue owners silenced his Palestinian support.
In brief
Nine US arenas rejected Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' tour, claiming venue owners silenced his Palestinian support. Macklemore's tour was canceled by nine US arenas after they refused to host benefit shows for Palestine. Originally reported by NME.
Macklemore claims nine US arenas rejected tour
Macklemore said nine major American arenas refused to host his 'Free Palestine' tour after initially offering available dates.
Venues listed: Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center
Macklemore named New York’s Madison Square Garden, Newark’s Prudential Center, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Long Island’s UBS Arena, Los Angeles venues Intuit Dome, Kia Forum and Crypto.
Dates canceled after Palestine focus
By mid-September, Macklemore received available dates through the end of the year, but venues canceled shows after learning they were benefit shows for Palestine.
Macklemore's statement on venue rejection
Macklemore said he had never experienced such intimidation in over twenty years of touring and accused venue owners of silencing Palestinian support.
Venues dispute political motivation
Madison Square Garden denied political motivation, stating they have limited availability and Macklemore is not an arena-level act.
Macklemore criticizes venue owners
Macklemore argued wealthy venue owners use financial power to silence artists supporting Palestinians, claiming freedom of speech is compromised.
Macklemore pledges alternative shows
Macklemore committed to organizing more benefit concerts outside traditional arenas, saying they will build their own stages for Palestine.
The essence
Macklemore's tour was canceled by nine US arenas after they refused to host benefit shows for Palestine.
