Macklemore has officially wrapped up his Free Palestine Tour with a sold-out show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Friday October 30th, bringing together thousands of fans, musicians and activists for a night of music and solidarity.

The concert marked the final date of the US rapper’s three-show European benefit tour, which also visited Dublin and Paris. The tour was organised following Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after he made outspoken pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance in New Jersey.

Around 12,500 people attended the London show, which featured performances, speeches and appearances from a number of high-profile supporters of the Palestinian cause. All proceeds from the tour are being donated to 12 organisations supporting Palestinian communities through humanitarian aid, medical care, education and advocacy.

The show featured a powerful line-up of artists and campaigners, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, singer Paloma Faith and Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis. Thunberg opened the evening with a speech highlighting the resilience of Palestinians in Gaza and encouraging attendees to continue supporting the cause beyond the concert. Paloma Faith also addressed the audience, reflecting on her decision to publicly support Palestine and the importance of protecting children affected by conflict around the world. Nemahsis, who has previously spoken about facing difficulties in the music industry after expressing support for Palestine, delivered a performance highlighting the importance of speaking out and remaining connected to one's identity.

Other notable appearances included actor Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas, alongside Palestinian activist Arab Barghouthi and Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos.

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The Free Palestine Tour comes after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour following his public comments supporting Palestinians. The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, had used his platform to call for a Free Palestine during a performance in New Jersey, prompting controversy and concerns from venue owners.

Sheeran later clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, rather than himself, after venues threatened to cancel shows if the rapper remained on the line-up. Following the controversy, Macklemore announced the benefit tour, bringing together artists who shared his commitment to supporting Palestinian communities.

The rapper also pledged his own earnings from the cancelled tour dates towards humanitarian organisations supporting Palestinians, while the new benefit shows were organised to raise further funds and awareness.

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During his headline set, Macklemore delivered an emotional speech about the importance of speaking out against the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Addressing the Wembley crowd, he explained that remaining silent had become more uncomfortable than using his platform to speak about the conflict.

“I don't believe that saying something is brave. I don't believe that saying something is courageous. I believe that saying something is human,” he told the audience.

He continued by emphasising the shared humanity of children affected by conflict, telling fans:

“And those children in Gaza are our children. There is no separation.”

The concert featured performances of some of Macklemore’s biggest hits, including Thrift Shop, Same Love, Glorious and Can’t Hold Us, alongside his protest track Hind’s Hall.

The song, released in response to the war in Gaza, has become a significant part of the rapper’s activism and his efforts to raise awareness about the conflict.

Throughout the evening, audience members waved Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs, creating an atmosphere centred on solidarity and collective action.

The tour’s proceeds will benefit 12 organisations supporting Palestinians, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine and UNRWA USA.