Country singer Zach Bryan wore a “Free Palestine” shirt during a concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on October 2, 2026, just weeks after the venue’s owner, Robert Kraft, barred rapper Macklemore from performing there due to pro-Palestinian remarks.
Controversy Over Macklemore's Onstage Comments
Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour in September 2026 stemmed from his onstage statements supporting Palestinian rights. During his set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he declared “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which includes imagery of Gaza. The Israeli-American Council and other groups criticized his remarks, leading to his suspension from the tour. Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, cited Macklemore’s antisemitic rhetoric and imagery
and deeply offensive and hurtful
comments as reasons for barring him from the venue. A statement from Kraft emphasized his responsibility to speak up when he believed a line had been crossed on antisemitism,
while acknowledging Palestinian suffering.
Bryan’s Statement at Gillette Stadium
During his sold-out show at Gillette Stadium, Bryan, 30, wore a black T-shirt with white 3D lettering reading “FREE PALESTINE” and a pine tree graphic below the phrase AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN.
Several band members also donned similar attire, according to fan footage shared on social media. The performance occurred one month after the Macklemore controversy, with Bryan’s choice of venue and message drawing immediate attention. The concert marked the first of two dates on Bryan’s With Heaven On Tour,
which concluded at Alabama’s Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 10.
Context and Broader Implications
Bryan’s act followed a wave of artist-led solidarity with Palestinian causes. After his ouster from Sheeran’s tour, Macklemore launched a Free Palestine Tour
in Europe, which sold out immediately. Fellow performers, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Kraft later donated $2 million to Palestinian humanitarian aid, while Sheeran expressed regret over the fallout, questioning his role as an artist. Bryan, who previously faced criticism for his 2025 song “Bad News” referencing ICE, has consistently addressed political themes in his work. His Gillette Stadium performance, which included no direct commentary on the shirt from the stage, sets the stage for further scrutiny as he returns to the venue on October 3.
What’s Next for Kraft and the Music Industry
Kraft has not publicly responded to Bryan’s actions, and representatives for the Kraft Group did not immediately comment. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between artists, venue owners, and political activism in the music industry. Bryan’s second show at Gillette Stadium on October 3 will be closely watched to see if he repeats the attire or if Kraft takes further action. Meanwhile, Macklemore’s European tour continues, with proceeds from his dates pledged to Palestinian aid organizations. The event highlights the intersection of music and political advocacy, with artists like Bryan and Macklemore using their platforms to challenge institutional power.
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