US rapper Macklemore has said the opening night of his Free Palestine tour in Dublin was “one of the most beautiful moments” of his life.
The 43-year-old – real name Benjamin Haggerty – said he had “tears in my eyes” for the entirety of Monday night’s sold-out show at the 3Arena.
Watch: Fans’ verdict on Macklemore’s Free Palestine Dublin concert
The rapper announced the concerts last month after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour over comments he made about Gaza and was joined on stage by Irish stars including singer Hozier, rap trio Kneecap, and actor Liam Cunningham.
On Tuesday evening, he wrote on Instagram: “I had tears in my eyes the whole night. Free Palestine Tour night one.
“One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever been a part of Dublin.”
Other guests that joined him on stage included trad band Beoga, who were among Sheeran’s supporting acts that dropped out of his Loop tour following the controversy, while Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo also made an appearance via video.
Macklemore’s next Free Palestine performance will take place at Paris’s Accor Arena on 29 October, and the tour will finish at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 30 October.
The musician, known for hits such as Thrift Shop and Same Love, previously said the gigs “sold out immediately” after going on sale last month.
The shows bring together artists and friends to help provide humanitarian aid and support for people in Palestine.
All the proceeds from the concerts will go towards a number of organisations working in support of Palestinian people with medical care, humanitarian assistance, education, community support, and advocacy.
Those organisations include: 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.
Source: Press Association