Macklemore began his Free Palestine tour with a sold-out concert in Dublin , more than a month after he was dropped from Ed Sheeran ’s US tour over his pro-Palestinian comments.

The Grammy-winning musician performed at the 3Arena on Monday, with Irish singer Hozier , Belfast rap trio Kneecap, and Beoga, the Irish folk band that withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

“Six weeks ago, it was two words. Two words is all that it took. Two words that are rooted in love and liberation,” Macklemore told the audience, referring to the controversy that cost him his place on the tour, reported Variety .

“Not against anybody, not divisive. Not a call for hatred. But a call to recognise our shared humanity. Free Palestine.…