# Macklemore Cites US Arena Refusal for Free Palestine Tour

> Macklemore says US arenas won't host his Free Palestine tour due to backlash over Palestine advocacy.
- Title: Macklemore Cites US Arena Refusal for Free Palestine Tour
- Summary: Macklemore says US arenas won't host his Free Palestine tour due to backlash over Palestine advocacy.
- Keywords: macklemore, free palestine tour, us arenas, palestine advocacy, ed sheeran, robert kraft, madison square garden, prudential center, barclays arena, ubs arena, intuit dome, kia forum
- Source: Stereogum — https://stereogum.com/2516796/macklemore-says-us-arenas-wont-host-his-free-palestine-tour/news
- Published: 2026-11-06T17:50:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: macklemore, free palestine tour, us arenas, palestine advocacy, ed sheeran, robert kraft, madison square garden, prudential center, barclays arena, ubs arena, intuit dome, kia forum
## Macklemore's Free Palestine Tour Announcement
Macklemore announced a Free Palestine tour after donating $1 million from his Ed Sheeran tour to Palestinian aid organizations.
## US Arena Rejections
Nine major US arenas including Madison Square Garden and Climate Pledge Arena refused to book Macklemore's Free Palestine tour.
## Tour Dates and Guests
Three benefit shows in Dublin, Paris, and London sold out with surprise guests including Hozier and Kneecap.
## Arenas' Reason for Rejection
Arenas claimed limited availability and that Macklemore is not an arena level act after learning about Palestine advocacy.
## Macklemore's Critique
Macklemore criticized arena owners for controlling public sentiment while ignoring their audience's role in supporting Palestinian causes.
## Macklemore's Response
Macklemore vowed to continue the tour despite US arena rejections, stating the threat of no American arena bookings would not silence him.
## Key takeaway

Macklemore's Free Palestine tour faces US arena rejections after owners cite concerns about political messaging.