Gaza city: US rapper Macklemore used his opening performances for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey to deliver a forceful pro-Palestinian message, prompting an Israeli-American organisation to call for his removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran's tour.
According to TRTworld.com, Macklemore performed before crowds of more than 80,000 at MetLife Stadium on Friday and Saturday. During his set, he wore a keffiyeh and performed his 2024 song "Hinds Hall" as images from Gaza and the occupied West Bank appeared on screens around the venue. He urged for his message to be heard globally, particularly by those in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, emphasizing the importance of freedom, safety, and peace for all.
Macklemore reiterated his stance during Saturday's show, again wearing a keffiyeh and leading the crowd in chants of "Free Palestine" before performing "Hinds Hall." He extended his call for freedom to Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and Iran, and labelled US Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a terrorist organisation. Addressing Jewish members of the audience, he clarified that criticism of Israeli policies should not be conflated with hostility towards Jewish people. His message centered around peace, love, and the dignity, respect, and equality of all people.
A message shown on the stadium screens read: "Holocaust survivor says stop the genocide in Gaza." This prompted the Israeli-American Council to launch a petition urging Sheeran and organisers of his Loop Tour to remove Macklemore from future performances. The council argued that the concert was meant to be a musical event, not a political rally, and accused Macklemore of promoting a one-sided political agenda. The petition also called for clarification on whether Macklemore's remarks and visuals were pre-approved and requested clearer rules for political messages at future events.
"Hinds Hall," released in 2024, is named after Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, which was occupied by pro-Palestinian student protesters and renamed to honor Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza in January 2024. The song has become one of Macklemore's most notable political statements, with the rapper using his music to criticize US support for Israel and express solidarity with Palestinians. His performances at MetLife Stadium have brought his activism to one of the world's largest concert stages, spotlighting the Israeli war on Gaza and Palestinian rights at a significant US music event.