Kneecap Say 'They Can Never Silence the Truth' as Macklemore Tour Row Deepens

Irish rap trio Kneecap have thrown their weight behind Macklemore after the US star was dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's American tour following his Gaza comments, declaring: 'They can never silence the truth.'

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, had been performing as a special guest on Sheeran's US dates before his removal. On 4 September, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he addressed the war in Gaza during a roughly two-minute onstage speech. The remarks received a positive response from parts of the audience and were followed by criticism online and calls for his removal from the tour.

Petition and Venue Backlash

A petition from the Israeli American Council subsequently called for Macklemore to be dropped from the tour. The precise role the petition played in what followed is unclear.

Messina Touring Group, the tour's promoter, said it had been notified by venues that they would not allow the remaining concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, and he did not appear on Sheeran's later US dates.

Macklemore has described 'difficult conversations' with Sheeran that he said were rooted in 'love and respect' but ended in what he called a 'fundamental disagreement'.

Kneecap responded by sharing a photograph alongside Macklemore with the caption: 'All love and solidarity to @macklemore. FREE PALESTINE.' The gesture is consistent with the Belfast trio's previous public statements and campaigning on Palestinian issues.

Other artists have also expressed support. Rock band Garbage criticised the decision as 'sheer madness', while Paloma Faith, Kehlani, Tones and I and climate activist Greta Thunberg were among the public figures to voice backing for Macklemore or his position. Irish singer CMAT posted images of the Palestinian flag alongside the words 'Free Palestine'.

Sheeran Breaks Silence on Tour Rift

Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy directly on 15 September. In a lengthy statement, he said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter and the venues rather than by him personally.

Sheeran said he had spent the week trying to find a solution and had held discussions with promoters and others involved, but that the final decision by the venues and promoter stood.

His account sits alongside differing versions of events from those involved. Macklemore has described conversations involving stadium owners including Robert Kraft, while Messina Touring Group has pointed to venue objections as the immediate cause of his removal.

None of the parties has given a full account of what was discussed.

Free Speech Row Leaves Questions Unanswered

The dispute has brought questions about political expression, venue policies and commercial touring arrangements into public view. In summary, Macklemore's comments about Gaza were followed by a petition calling for his removal, objections from some venues and his subsequent departure from the remaining US leg of the tour.

It is not possible to independently verify all of the behind-the-scenes discussions between Macklemore, Sheeran, venues and promoters. Sheeran has said the decision was made by the promoter and venues, while Macklemore has described his own conversations with Sheeran and his disagreement with the outcome.

Kneecap's public support for Macklemore adds the band to a growing list of artists and public figures who have spoken out in his favour since his removal from the tour was confirmed.