Weeks after rapper Macklemore was excluded from opening for Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium due to pro-Palestinian remarks, country music artist Zach Bryan made a similar political statement during his own performances at the venue on Friday and Saturday.
Bryan appeared on stage wearing a shirt bearing the message “Free Palestine” alongside the phrase “An appeal to heaven” and a pine tree logo. Several members of his band also wore shirts with comparable messaging. The Saturday performance drew a crowd of 73,538 attendees, setting a new attendance record for Gillette Stadium.
The phrase “An appeal to heaven” has historical roots in the American Revolutionary War and appeared on Massachusetts’ official maritime flag until 1971. According to the Associated Press, the expression originated from the colonial belief that divine intervention would free settlers from tyranny.
The incident comes less than a month after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” tour schedule at the Foxboro stadium. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also owns the stadium, contacted Sheeran directly to inform him that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform.
In a statement, Kraft cited “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” as the reason for the decision, noting that material shared by Macklemore during concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was deemed offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.
Macklemore responded via Instagram, asserting that while antisemitism is real, criticizing Israel or advocating for Palestine should not be equated with anti-Jewish hate. Following his dismissal, every other supporting act on Sheeran’s tour withdrew in solidarity with the rapper.
Macklemore subsequently pledged to donate $1 million to support Palestinians and urged Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft stated he had already discussed matching Sheeran’s own $2 million donation pledge with the pop star.
Sheeran’s scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26 were ultimately canceled due to a nor’easter affecting the region.
WBZ-TV contacted Gillette Stadium regarding Bryan’s shirt but had not received a response at the time of publication.
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73,538 people! That record attendance proves fans care about more than just music these days.
Wild that Macklemore got barred but Zach Bryan gets a pass for the same sentiment. Double standards are real.
The historical context of ‘An appeal to heaven’ is fascinating. Makes the shirt deeper than just a slogan.