Macklemore says benefit shows sold out — here’s what Bono actually said about Ed Sheeran

Macklemore says his three October Free Palestine benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris and London sold out immediately, according to The Independent’s September 30 report. Separately that day, Bono addressed the dispute over Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour, describing Sheeran’s political reservations while defending artists’ freedom to choose whether to speak out.

Bono recalled Sheeran asking, “You’re not going to get me into politics, are you?” during their U2 collaboration. But he also told Rolling Stone UK that “you can’t be pushing people around” — a qualification central to his account of the controversy.

What Macklemore says about the benefit concerts

The new development since NewsJaws reported Macklemore’s benefit-tour announcement is his claim that the three shows have sold out. “I’m honestly blown away,” he said in the statement reported by The Independent. The concerts are scheduled for Dublin’s 3Arena, Paris’s Accor Arena and London’s Wembley Arena.

“We put these shows together fast and in community, believing that musicians can stand in solidarity with Palestine, use the stage to raise funds and show what collective action can look like,” Macklemore said. Other participating musicians were still to be announced in The Independent’s September 30 report.

3Arena’s announcement promises all proceeds to 12 organisations: Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

The announcement describes work spanning medical care, humanitarian assistance, education and community support, as well as advocacy, organising and media work. It does not specify how proceeds will be divided or when payments will be made.

What Bono actually said about Ed Sheeran

Bono’s account concerned work on “Yours Eternally”, the U2 song featuring Sheeran and Ukrainian musician Taras Topalia. The track appeared on the Days of Ash EP and was written from a Ukrainian soldier’s perspective. The exchange was Bono’s recollection, rather than a new statement from Sheeran.

In Rolling Stone UK’s interview, Bono recalled telling Sheeran that the soldier who inspired the song loved his music. According to Bono, Sheeran replied: “Yeah, but I just want to keep my thing free.” Bono’s conclusion was that artists should not be pushed into taking positions.

“I would say with Ed and Macklemore that we shouldn’t personalise this, what’s going on,” Bono said. He argued for persuasion through reason, adding: “You can’t try to force people into a position.”

U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. similarly defended artists’ choice about political involvement, while opposing promoters or billionaire owners influencing what performers could say onstage. He said that applying such a restriction to U2 would have put the band “out of business” on “Sunday, Bloody Sunday”.

Bono also recalled opposition to U2’s campaigning for Martin Luther King Day in Arizona. He presented that history as an example of the fights his band was willing to take on, while recognising that other artists might choose differently.

Why Macklemore left Ed Sheeran’s tour

The dispute began earlier in September, after Macklemore performed at two MetLife Stadium shows. Rolling Stone reported that he called for a “Free Palestine”, displayed images of devastation in Gaza and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall”. His removal from the remaining US tour preceded the new benefit concerts and Bono interview.

Robert Kraft confirmed to Rolling Stone that he barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium. He cited the rapper’s stage material and what he characterised as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Kraft said the decision was not about denying Palestinians’ suffering or their right to advocacy, and offered to meet Macklemore.

Macklemore rejected that characterisation. “Antisemitism is real,” he said in the statement reported by Rolling Stone, arguing that the term should not serve as a shield against criticism of the Israeli state.

Macklemore also alleged that Kraft rallied other stadium owners to demand his removal. Kraft’s confirmation concerned Gillette Stadium; it did not establish that wider allegation. Rolling Stone reported that Kraft had not addressed it and that his representative had not answered its request for comment on the claim.

What Sheeran said about the decision

As NewsJaws previously reported in its coverage of Sheeran’s response, he said the decision was not his. In his Instagram statement reproduced by Rolling Stone, Sheeran said he unsuccessfully tried to persuade venue owners, including Kraft, to retain Macklemore, but “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final”.

Promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone that venues had threatened to cancel concerts if Macklemore remained. Sheeran cited obligations to fans and touring workers, and said choosing not to discuss politics publicly did not mean he lacked views or concern. By September 30, Rolling Stone UK reported that his other support acts, including Aaron Rowe and Finneas, had withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore.

When the benefit concerts take place

Accor Arena lists the Paris concert for October 29, while OVO Arena Wembley lists London for October 30, with doors at 18:00 local time. The accessed Dublin announcement did not specify a performance date.

3Arena’s announcement says further cities and dates, including US performances, will be announced in the coming weeks. It gives no confirmed US itinerary. The guest lineup and the eventual amount raised also remain to be established.