Less than a week after he was announced as a headliner of the inaugural Neon City Festival, Macklemore has been dropped from the lineup of the Las Vegas event “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
While the music festival did not disclose a specific reason why Macklemore will no longer be performing, the change comes a few days after the “Can’t Hold Us” singer made headlines for saying, “Fuck America,” on stage while performing at a pro-Palestinian benefit concert called Palestine Will Live Forever. As shown in footage, the remark drew applause from the Seattle audience.
The headliners of Neon City Festival were announced on Sept. 19, and Macklemore ignited controversy for his anti-American comment on Sept. 21. He was dropped from Neon City Festival on Sept. 24.
On Sept. 25, Macklemore released a lengthy statement, saying, in part: “My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. … Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has become overshadowed by two words.”
The rapper went on to express his disappointment in the United States’ role in the violence in the Middle East before adding, “I’ve lost endorsements, I’ve lost business ties. I am still here, unwavering in my support for a Free Palestine.”
Macklemore has been outspoken supporter of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. He signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and has accused Israel of committing a genocide in Gaza. In May 2024, he released a protest song titled “Hind’s Hall,” in support of the student protesters on college campuses, with proceeds going toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Neon City Festival will take place in downtown Las Vegas from Nov. 22-24. Headliners include Alison Wonderland, Neon Trees, Russell Dickerson and Seven Lions.
