On Friday, musician Zach Bryan wore a ‘Free Palestine’ shirt during his concert at Gillette Stadium. This move comes weeks after rapper Macklemore faced controversy for similar comments, leading to his exclusion from Ed Sheeran’s concert lineup at the same venue.
Bryan performed the first of two scheduled concerts at the stadium. The second concert is set for Saturday night. The shirt featured the text ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘An appeal to heaven’ accompanied by a pine tree logo. Members of Bryan’s band also wore shirts with related messages.
The phrase ‘An appeal to heaven’ has historical significance. According to a 2024 Associated Press article, it dates back to the Revolutionary War and was part of Massachusetts’ official maritime flag until 1971. It symbolized the colonists’ belief in divine intervention against tyranny.
Attempts to obtain comments from Gillette Stadium regarding Bryan’s attire have been unsuccessful so far.
Previously, Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop’ tour after voicing ‘Free Palestine’ during a New Jersey concert. Scheduled performances at Gillette Stadium were subsequently canceled. Robert Kraft, owner of both the New England Patriots and the stadium, took action against Macklemore, citing the rapper’s comments and previous controversial representations deemed offensive to the Jewish community.
In response, Macklemore expressed on Instagram that antisemitism is genuine, yet maintained that criticizing Israel should not equate to antisemitic expression. Fellow supporting acts for Sheeran’s tour withdrew in support of Macklemore. Following the events, Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million to aid Palestinians, urging Kraft to match his donation. Kraft responded, stating he already discussed matching Ed Sheeran’s $2 million donation promise.
Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium, originally planned for September 25 and 26, were canceled due to a nor’easter affecting the region.