Stevie Wonder defends Macklemore in call for freedom of speech in Glasgow: “Ban me if you want”

Stevie Wonder has shared his support for Macklemore while on stage in Glasgow, calling for freedom of speech and saying the people can “ban me if you want”.

The legendary singer, songwriter and pianist made the comments while performing at the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow on Wednesday (November 11), as part of his ongoing tour celebrating 50 years of classic album ‘Songs In The Key Of Life’.

Shortly after kicking off the 24-song setlist with ‘Love’s in Need of Love Today’ and ‘Have a Talk With God’, the R&B icon addressed the audience and gave an impassioned speech calling for freedom of speech.

The speech was particularly poignant on the night as the show was held on Remembrance Day, and in his comments, Wonder said that he and his daughter Aisha Morris – who was also a backing vocalist on the night – had been speaking about Macklemore, and how he was abruptly kicked off Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ after calling for a “Free Palestine” while on-stage.

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🎥 Stevie Wonder comes out in support of Macklemore: "We want wars to stop."

🤳 Lauren Hunter pic.twitter.com/J5KSB2czZL

— Far Out Magazine (@FarOutMag) November 12, 2026

“As with all of us that are artists, musicians, people feel this way,” Wonder explained. “We want wars to stop everywhere. We want every person in life to be protected from the destruction of war.”

Amid cheers from the crowd, he continued: “Ban me as you want. I’m only speaking the words that are given to me by the most high, our God. Let’s bring peace to the world.”

Macklemore was booted from Sheeran’s tour earlier this year, after his on-stage comments caught the attention of Robert Kraft – who owns the Gillette Stadium and is also owner of the New England Patriots. Kraft said he found Macklemore’s speech “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community”. Following more disapproval from the likes of Pink and the Israeli American Council, the rapper was removed from the tour.

Since then, countless big names including Greta Thunberg, Massive Attack, Roger Waters, Dropkick Murphys, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Billy Bragg and Hayley Williams have shown their support for Macklemore, and Sheeran’s band and other tour support acts have pulled out in solidarity with the rapper.

Macklemore then donated his entire $1million earnings from the tour to six organisations supporting Palestinians, and also announced a ‘Free Palestine Tour’, with proceeds being donated to relief efforts in Gaza.

That tour included a slot in Dublin with Hozier and Kneecap, a night in Paris with Aurora, and a star-studded night in London with Greta Thunberg and Paloma Faith.

As for Stevie Wonder, the singer wrapped up his tour that night in Glasgow, and the tour was announced following him vowing to keep playing for as long as he was breathing, saying “an artist never stops drawing”.

Before then, the Motown legend also confirmed that he is working on a new album, which will be his first in 20 years. The LP is called ‘Through The Eyes Of Wonder’, and has been hinted at by the musician since 2008, but has not yet been released. According to interviews he’s done and hints he has shared over the years, it will be structured as a performance piece that will reflect his experience as a blind man.