Zach Bryan performed at Gillette Stadium wearing a black shirt bearing “Free Palestine” text during a Friday night show, with several band members also displaying Palestine-themed clothing. The performance took place at the venue owned by Robert Kraft, following recent controversy involving rapper Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour dates. Bryan did not publicly address the shirt or make additional remarks about Palestine during the show. He is scheduled to conclude his tour with a second performance at the stadium on Saturday.
The shirt display occurs within the context of escalating tension regarding artist censorship and free speech at major venues. Macklemore had previously alleged that Kraft coordinated with other stadium owners to pressure Sheeran’s tour organizers into removing him as an opening act following Macklemore’s public “Free Palestine” statements and the display of Gaza footage during performances at MetLife Stadium. Macklemore characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern in which wealthy stakeholders control which voices receive platform access.
Kraft responded by stating that Gillette Stadium maintains policies against providing platforms for hate speech, citing Macklemore’s statements, shared materials, and what Kraft described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Kraft offered to meet with Macklemore and announced a $2 million donation to humanitarian efforts in the region, matching Macklemore’s pledge of $1 million. Other acts including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Macklemore has since announced a “Free Palestine” tour with dates in Dublin, Paris, and London on Oct. 26, 29 and 30, with all proceeds directed to pro-Palestinian organizations. All three shows reportedly sold out following the announcement.
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