Hozier makes surprise appearance at Macklemore’s free Palestine gig
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Irish musician Hozier joined American hip-hop artist Macklemore on stage as a surprise guest at Dublin's 3Arena on Monday night, performing before a sold-out audience and using his appearance to urge the Irish government to expedite visas for dozens of stranded Palestinian students.
The concert marked the opening date of Macklemore's three-city "Free Palestine" tour, organized after the rapper was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour six weeks earlier following onstage statements about the ongoing aggression on Gaza.
While guest performers were kept unannounced prior to the event, the Dublin lineup showcased prominent Irish acts who have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights, including rap group Kneecap and folk ensemble Beoga.
Hozier, whose performance included signature tracks such as "Take Me to Church," addressed the crowd to highlight both historical solidarity and an immediate domestic issue regarding higher education visas.
"We have a wonderful history of global solidarity when it comes to issues of emancipation and justice," Hozier told the crowd, before drawing attention to 55 Palestinian scholars from Gaza who have received university scholarships across Ireland but remain unable to enter the country due to stalled immigration approvals.
Pointing to a petition QR code projected on the arena's central screen behind him, Hozier noted that the students had already earned their academic places and urged immigration officials to intervene. "The government has not approved their visa applications," he said, adding that the procedural delay could be resolved via ministerial discretion. "It's an absolute wonder, it's baffling why it hasn't been solved yet."
His remarks follow an open letter published days earlier signed by Hozier, Kneecap, and other cultural figures asking Irish leaders to allow the students to take up their university placements.
The evening concluded with sets from Macklemore, who emphasized themes of human rights and dignity, and noted that proceeds from the tour would be channeled through the PLUS1 charity to relief organizations including Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA. The benefit series continues this week with stops scheduled in Paris and London.
