Weeks after rapper Macklemore was barred from opening for Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium following pro-Palestinian remarks, musician Zach Bryan wore a shirt displaying the phrase “Free Palestine” during his own concert at the venue. Bryan performed the first of two concerts at Gillette Stadium on Friday, with the second show scheduled for Saturday night. The shirt also featured the text “An appeal to heaven” alongside a pine tree logo, while several members of Bryan’s band wore similar apparel. According to a 2024 Associated Press report, “An appeal to heaven” is a historical phrase dating back to the Revolutionary War that appeared on Massachusetts’ official maritime flag until 1971, reflecting the colonists’ belief that divine intervention would deliver them from tyranny. WBZ-TV reached out to Gillette Stadium for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Macklemore was previously dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after stating “Free Palestine” during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Although Macklemore was scheduled to perform at the Foxborough venue with Sheeran, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft—who owns the stadium—contacted Sheeran to state that the rapper would not be permitted to perform there. In a subsequent statement, Kraft cited Macklemore’s stage remarks and a broader history of rhetoric that he believed was deeply offensive to the Jewish community as the reason for barring his participation. Macklemore argued on Instagram that criticism of Israel and the phrase “Free Palestine” should not be conflated with antisemitism. Following the incident, Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million to support Palestinians and called on Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft later stated he had already spoken with Sheeran about matching the pop star’s own $2 million donation pledge. Sheeran’s scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium were ultimately canceled due to a nor’easter hitting the region.
Source: cbsnews.com
