Macklemore has claimed that nine arenas have prevented him from being able to perform his “Free Palestine” tour in the United States.
The 43-year-old rapper, real name Benjamin Haggerty, announced initial concerts in London, Paris and Dublin in September after he was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour over comments he made about Gaza.
His exit from the tour came after billionaire and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft gathered other venue owners to join him in blocking Macklemore from performing at their arenas.
Macklemore said in a statement Friday that “from the beginning, our plan was to bring this tour home to the U.S.”
However, he said there are no planned dates at this time, adding: “After weeks of reaching out, nine major American arenas have turned us down.”
“Madison Square Garden. Prudential Center. Barclays Center. UBS Arena. Intuit Dome. Kia Forum. Crypto.com Arena. Chase Center. Climate Pledge Arena,” Macklemore said, calling out each arena.
“By mid-September, we received available dates at these arenas through the end of the year,” the “Thrift Shop” rapper continued. “But once they found out these were my benefit shows for Palestine, those dates were suddenly off the table. The doors were closed. The conversations were all different, but the result was the same. The shows were not going to be allowed to happen in these venues.”
He continued: “In over twenty years of touring, I’ve never experienced anything like this. Looking back over the last three years, the only real regret I have is not speaking publicly when Zionists were kicking me under the table.
“At the time, I didn’t believe that centering what was happening to me was worth taking any attention away from the genocide in Palestine. But the intimidation, manipulation and suppression I experienced are part of how those in power keep entertainers quiet.”
Macklemore went on to say that he would “rather lose every opportunity in this industry than spend another day protecting people who value their business relationships with Israel more than they value Palestinian human life.”
He captioned his post: “Trying to silence us will only make the message louder.”
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s tour in September due to his onstage display of support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. The rapper then doubled down, announcing his “Free Palestine” tour. He said shortly after that the gigs “sold out immediately” after ticket sales began.
All the proceeds from the concerts went toward a number of organizations working in support of Palestinian people with medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support and advocacy.
The Independent has contacted the nine arenas for comment. A spokesperson for Madison Square Garden said: “We have some of the busiest venues in the world with extremely limited availability and he’s not an arena level act.”
'Overwhelmed' Macklemore speaks out after concluding Free Palestine tour
Macklemore concludes Free Palestine tour with sold-out show in London
Gaza charities on Macklemore support: 'We are incredibly grateful'
Macklemore launches sold-out Free Palestine tour in Dublin
Bono says maintaining U2 band dynamic has ‘got harder’ because of ‘male ego’
John Lydon shares verdict on Sex Pistols tour with new singer
