Country musician Zach Bryan performed Friday night at Gillette Stadium wearing a shirt bearing the message “Free Palestine,” just weeks after the venue’s owner barred rapper Macklemore from appearing there for making similar pro-Palestinian statements.
Bryan wore the shirt during the first of two scheduled performances at the Foxborough venue. Several members of his band displayed shirts with comparable messages. The full text on Bryan’s shirt read “Free Palestine” and “An appeal to heaven,” accompanied by a pine tree logo. A second performance is scheduled for Saturday evening.
The phrase “An appeal to heaven” carries historical significance dating to the Revolutionary War era and appeared on the official maritime flag of Massachusetts until 1971. The expression derived from colonial beliefs that divine intervention would deliver them from tyranny.
Stadium management had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
The appearance follows a substantial controversy last month when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also owns Gillette Stadium, contacted musician Ed Sheeran to inform him that Macklemore would not be permitted to open for Sheeran’s “Loop” tour at the venue. Macklemore had said “Free Palestine” during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Kraft explained his decision in a written statement, asserting that Macklemore’s recent actions, statements made during Sheeran’s New Jersey performances, and what he characterized as a broader pattern of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery proved deeply offensive to the Jewish community. Kraft determined that permitting Macklemore’s participation would cross an unacceptable line.
Macklemore responded through social media, acknowledging that antisemitism represents a genuine problem while arguing that criticism of Israel and expressing support for Palestinian freedom should not be equated with hatred toward Jewish people.
In a display of solidarity, every other supporting act for Sheeran’s tour withdrew from scheduled performances following Macklemore’s removal. The rapper subsequently pledged to donate one million dollars to support Palestinians and challenged Kraft to match his contribution.
Kraft issued a response stating he had already discussed with Sheeran matching the pop star’s own two million dollar donation pledge.
The scheduled Sheeran concerts at Gillette Stadium for September 25 and 26 were ultimately canceled due to a nor’easter affecting the region that weekend.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding public expressions of support for Palestinians and the boundaries venues and event organizers draw regarding political statements. Whether Gillette Stadium management will take similar action regarding Bryan’s display remains unclear.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance performers and venues face when navigating politically charged issues in public settings, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Stadium officials have yet to indicate whether any consequences will follow Bryan’s decision to wear the shirt during his performance.
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