Story perspectives

Robert Kraft Blocks Macklemore From Gillette Stadium Shows

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 1:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Robert Kraft led stadium owners to bar Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Kraft said Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks and antisemitic rhetoric would cross the line at Gillette Stadium.
Gillette Stadium had scheduled Macklemore for shows on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 before his removal.
Messina Touring Group warned that venues refused Macklemore, risking tour cancellation if he remained.

History

Historical Context

In March 2003, Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines said she was ashamed of President George W. Bush at a London show, prompting a backlash that blacklisted their songs on thousands of U.S. country stations and generated death threats. In 2023 stadium owner Robert Kraft barred rapper Macklemore from a Gillette Stadium concert for “Free Palestine” remarks, echoing the censorship before the group’s five Grammy wins in 2007.

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Story summary

Robert Kraft led stadium owners to bar Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Kraft said Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks and antisemitic rhetoric would cross the line at Gillette Stadium.
Gillette Stadium had scheduled Macklemore for shows on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 before his removal.
Messina Touring Group warned that venues refused Macklemore, risking tour cancellation if he remained.

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