In September 2026, Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after speaking publicly in support of Palestinians during his performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group subsequently said venues on the remaining dates would not allow concerts to go ahead with Macklemore on the bill. Sheeran later said that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision, rather than his own.
The Importance of Being Macklemore looks at what the controversy reveals about power, money and control in the modern music industry. Because behind every concert is another structure: the promoter, the venue, the owner, the contract and the people who ultimately control access to the stage.
The answer became even more interesting when Macklemore announced the Free Palestine Tour, a new series of live performances beginning in Dublin on 26 October, followed by dates in Paris and London. According to the organisers, proceeds from the concerts will benefit organisations providing humanitarian, medical and other support to Palestinians.
The Last Mixed Tape is hosted by Stephen White, and is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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