Macklemore opened his Free Palestine tour to a sold-out crowd at Dublin's 3Arena on Monday, a little more than a month after he was dropped as an opener on Ed Sheeran's Loop tour. The BBC, Variety and NBC News reported the night drew Palestinian flags and keffiyehs and featured guests including Hozier, Kneecap and Beoga.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, said proceeds from the three-show run will go to organisations supporting Palestinians. Variety said he also donated his $1 million salary from Sheeran's tour to the cause. He was removed from Sheeran's US dates in September after onstage Free Palestine remarks that drew criticism from some Jewish groups. Sheeran has said the call was made by his promoter, not by him.

Video messages from Mark Ruffalo, Ilana Glazer and Julian Casablancas backed the night. Macklemore led Free Palestine chants and said the two words were rooted in love and liberation. The tour continues in Paris on Thursday and London on Friday.

What we know: The Dublin opener sold out, featured major Irish guests, and routes tour money to Palestinian support groups.
What we don't: How large the charity totals will be, and whether more dates will be added after London.