Seattle rapper Macklemore returned to live performance Thursday night at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, using his 17-song set to reiterate political calls that prompted his removal from the U.S. leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Artist addresses multiple international and domestic crises
During the concert, Macklemore paused several times to speak directly to the crowd about international conflicts and U.S. immigration enforcement, naming specific countries and groups affected. He urged concertgoers to respond to human suffering, framing his remarks in moral terms rather than partisan politics.
“Being a human being in this moment is not complicated. It is not political. It is human to have a heart, to watch others suffering and to say, ‘Not anymore!’ So I say, free Palestine. I say, free Palestine!” said Macklemore.
He expanded the list of places and people he invoked, adding Sudan, Congo, Lebanon and “all the people that are affected by ICE in America, who are afraid to leave their houses.” He closed that portion of the show saying, “The message will always be love.”
Background: removal from Sheeran tour and reactions
The Red Rocks performance was Macklemore’s first since a contentious run opening for Sheeran in September. During two shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he called for Palestinian freedom and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” with imagery from Gaza. Those performances drew criticism from groups including the Israeli-American Council and led to his removal from remaining U.S. dates, promoters and venue officials said at the time.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues on the planned U.S. run informed organizers they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the bill. Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, later said he had barred Macklemore from appearing at the Massachusetts venue, calling rhetoric and imagery on stage offensive to members of the Jewish community. Sheeran subsequently addressed the decision publicly.
- Location: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado
- Set length: 17 songs
- Topics addressed: Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Lebanon, and people affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The Red Rocks appearance signals Macklemore’s continued willingness to use concert stages for political statements following the controversy that ended his role on the Loop Tour’s U.S. dates. Promoters, venues and artists continue to navigate the balance between performers’ speech and venue or tour policies.
