Zach Bryan wore a ‘Free Palestine’ shirt during his concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday, October 2. The timing immediately drew attention. Gillette Stadium is owned by the Kraft Group, led by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Just weeks earlier, Kraft had confirmed that rapper Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the venue after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian comments during Ed Sheeran’s US tour.
Bryan, however, has not publicly said that his shirt was a response to Kraft or Macklemore.
Here’s what happened.
What Did Zach Bryan Wear At Gillette Stadium?
Bryan took the stage in a black T-shirt with large white letters reading “FREE PALESTINE.” The shirt also featured a pine tree and the words “AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN.” The country singer was performing the first of two shows at Gillette Stadium as part of his With Heaven On Tour. Several members of his band also wore clothing supporting Palestine. Guitarist Noah Le Gros, for example, was seen wearing a green Palestine soccer jersey.
Bryan did not address the shirt or mention Robert Kraft or Macklemore during the concert, according to reports.
What Does ‘An Appeal To Heaven’ Mean?
The second part of Bryan’s shirt has a connection to American history. The pine tree and “An Appeal To Heaven” wording are associated with flags used by American colonists during the Revolutionary War.
According to the National Park Service, General George Washington instructed Continental ships to fly a Pine Tree Flag as an identifying flag. Some versions carried the words “an appeal to heaven.” The phrase itself dates back to English philosopher John Locke. Some American colonists embraced the idea that God could help them defend their natural rights.
Why Is Zach Bryan’s Shirt Being Linked To Macklemore?
The connection comes from the venue and the timing. Macklemore had been scheduled to appear with Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium in September. That changed after his performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5.
During those shows, Macklemore spoke in support of Palestinians, said “Free Palestine” and performed his song “Hind’s Hall,” which was inspired by pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. He was later removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Macklemore said Robert Kraft was involved in the decision. Kraft later confirmed that he opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium. In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, Kraft cited Macklemore’s recent performances and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Kraft also said the decision was not meant to deny people the right to advocate for Palestinians.
What Did Ed Sheeran Say About Macklemore’s Removal?
Ed Sheeran later said that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision, not his. Sheeran said venue owners had threatened to pull upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the tour. He also said he had spoken with the venues and tried to find a solution. Macklemore has given his own account of the events and has continued to publicly support Palestine. He has since announced a separate Free Palestine Tour.
Did Zach Bryan Support Macklemore?
That has not been confirmed. Bryan’s shirt appeared at the same stadium where Macklemore had recently been barred, which is why the two stories are being connected. Some reports have described Bryan’s appearance as a show of support for Macklemore. Others have simply reported the timing and location without claiming that was Bryan’s intention. Bryan himself has not publicly explained the shirt or said that it was connected to Macklemore.
