Concert Bookings: Rapper Claims US Arenas Rejected Free Palestine Tour
Macklemore alleges nine major American venues turned down his dates, citing limited availability and act size after his European run concluded.
By John Ferrari ·
Macklemore announced on Friday that nine major American concert venues declined to host his Free Palestine tour, a series of shows that recently wrapped up in Europe. The rapper, who is best known for the hit
Thrift Shop,
identified New York's Madison Square Garden and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles among the locations that passed on available dates through the end of the year.
The touring effort began in August after Macklemore was removed as the opening act for Ed Heeran's concert circuit. He stated at the time that stadium owners objected to his use of the phrase
Free Palestine,
on stage. Since that dispute, he has reported that no US arena has agreed to book his performances for the remaining months of 2026.
In a social media post, Macklemore expressed surprise at the rejections.
The shows were not going to be allowed to happen in these venues,
he wrote.
In over 20 years of touring, I've never experienced anything like this,
he added, noting that the rejection rate was unusual for his career.
MSG Entertainment, which operates Madison Square Garden, offered a different perspective. A spokesperson said their properties are among the busiest in the world with extremely limited availability. The company further stated that Macklemore is
