Zach Bryan takes the stage in a 'Free Palestine' shirt at the stadium that barred Macklemore

Zach Bryan's outfit became the story before the first song. At Friday's (Oct. 2) show at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the country singer wore a shirt reading 'Free Palestine' and 'An appeal to heaven' alongside a pine tree logo. Band members wore similar messages, according to CBS News. 'An appeal to heaven' dates back to the Revolutionary War and appeared on Massachusetts' official maritime flag until 1971.

The venue is what gives the gesture its weight. The stadium is owned by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who kept Macklemore from performing there at Ed Sheeran's Sept. 25 and 26 shows. The rapper had been pulled from the 'Loop' tour after shouting 'Free Palestine' during a MetLife Stadium show in New Jersey. Kraft cited his on-stage remarks and what he called a 'broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.'

Macklemore has since pledged $1 million to support Palestinians and called on Kraft to match it; Kraft said he had already discussed matching Sheeran's own $2 million pledge. TheWrap read Bryan's shirt as a show of solidarity with Macklemore. Bryan has not commented on the outfit, and his second Foxborough night was scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 3).