Damon Albarn launched the Gorillaz’ U.S. tour this week by making a strong show of support for Palestine.
Amid the fallout from Macklemore being removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, the British musician, who co-founded Gorillaz and previously fronted rock band Blur, voiced his support for the sovereign state on Thursday (September 17) during the group’s performance at Orlando’s Kia Center. Albarn further highlighted his stance by raising a Palestinian flag that had been handed to him by someone in the crowd.
“Don’t forget this. Ever. Stand your position. Don’t ever be neutral,” the musician said. Albarn echoed a similar message to one he delivered during Gorillaz’s London residency last year alongside the London Arab Orchestra.
Earlier this month, Macklemore performed at the New Jersey stop of Sheeran’s tour at MetLife Stadium, where the Grammy winner gave a “Free Palestine” speech that drew backlash from the Israeli-American Council.
The organization called for the “Thrift Shop” rapper to be removed from the tour, and the request was ultimately fulfilled, although Sheeran placed responsibility on the tour promoters. Macklemore, who had been booked as an opener for the U.S. leg, also claimed that Kraft Group executive officer Robert Kraft gave Sheeran an “ultimatum,” urging that the rapper be removed from the tour.
Macklemore has shifted his focus toward philanthropy following his brief stint on the Loop Tour, announcing that he’ll donate $1 million of his net earnings from the tour to six organizations supporting Palestine.
“That is what this has always been about. Not me. Not a tour. Not the headlines or the controversy. It is about Palestinians right to freedom, dignity and safety in their own homeland,” the artist stated in an Instagram post.
Several other Loop Tour openers have also left the trek in solidarity with Macklemore, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, as well as bands Lukas Graham and Beoga.
