mxdwn.co.uk » Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran Speaks Out At First Show Following Macklemore Blowback

Rory Newland — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:16:44 +0000

After major derailments to his North American Loop Tour earlier in September, Ed Sheeran has made a statement to clear the air at his most recent show. The British star saw all of his remaining support acts drop out of the tour following rapper Macklemore’s removal over a pro-Palestine speech during his sets in New Jersey.

Macklemore’s impassioned mid-set protest speech about the state of affairs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank drew accusations of hate speech and antisemitism from several prominent Jewish voices, including singer Pink, the Israeli American Council and billionaire Robert Kraft. Following a reported direct intervention by Kraft, who owns the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, where the tour will stop later this week, Macklemore was forced to leave the run, allegedly by Sheeran’s management team.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

The ensuing backlash saw Sheeran come under continuous fire on social media for dropping the American rapper for speaking out, and saw Sheeran’s own morals scrutinised for his attempts to remain politically neutral throughout. As the dominoes fell, all of the support acts withdrew themselves from the tour – US genius FINNEAS, Danish group Lukas Graham, and Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Boega all pulled out, before even Sheeran’s backing musicians also left. Coming into the most recent night of the Loop Tour on Saturday September 19, there were doubts that Ed Sheeran would be able to perform at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field at all. However, in a parallel to the beginning of his career where he gained a reputation for busking and playing hundreds of pop-up shows around the UK, on the night Sheeran turned up and made most of it happen with just a guitar and a microphone (along with some help from new backing musicians). But before the music commenced, he opened the evening with an acknowledgement of the events of this week. He first weighed in on how he’s used to criticism for his music, which he remarks isn’t for everyone, before saying “but this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” he added, before speaking about how his priority is to make concerts safe spaces for fans and continue to run the tour for them. Speaking indirectly about the boycott on Macklemore by Kraft and other stadium-owners, he said “I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content for performers. This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.”

He then finally spoke about Israel and Palestine, saying “I’ve tried in my career to not be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it any more.” He cautiously addressed both sides of the ongoing conflict, continuing “what happened in Israel at the Nova music festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives. And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

Later in the show, Sheeran began another statement of how close he came to calling it quits over the tour, and his career as a whole. “Tonight has been honestly the best show of my life,” he told the crowd – “I really didn’t know whether this tour would carry on, I really didn’t know whether I’d get on stage again, whether I even wanted to be an artist at all.” He then thanked the fans for sticking by him and celebrated the amount of tickets that continued to sell after the fallout from Macklemore’s removal.

For many of his detractors, Ed Sheeran’s emotional speeches may be too little too late, but as a gesture Sheeran, Robert Kraft and Macklemore have all reportedly made large donations to Palestinian charities, with Macklemore donating his full takings from the two nights of the tour he performed on. The Loop Tour continues with two nights at the Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26 – check out Ed Sheeran’s setlist from the Lincoln Financial Field below:

1. Castle on the Hill
2. Shivers
3. The A Team
4. Sapphire
5. Don’t
6. Eyes Closed
7. I’m a Mess
8. Take It Back / Superstition / Ain’t No Sunshine
9. Lego House
10. Supermarket Flowers
11. Tenerife Sea
12. Give Me Love
(with backing band)
13. Galway Girl
14. Nancy Mulligan
15. I Don’t Care
16. Old Phone
17. Camera
18. Celestial
19. Photograph
20. Eastside / 2002 / Cold Water / Little Things / Love Yourself
21. Thinking Out Loud
22. Perfect
23. I See Fire
24. Blood Stream
25. Afterglow
(Encore)
26. You Need Me, I Don’t Need You
27. Shape of Yourself
28. Azizam
29. Bad Habits

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran US Tour Over ‘Free Palestine’ Stage Protests – Rapper Speaks Out

Rory Newland — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:20:36 +0000

Ed Sheeran’s blockbuster Loop US stadium tour is into its fourth month on the road, but since its first September stops at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium the run has found itself at the centre of political discourse. US rapper Macklemore announced this evening that he has been removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian demonstrations during his sets in East Rutherford, NJ. The protests started a wave of high-profile online backlash, with artists like singer Pink demanding his withdrawal, while others including Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson have stood in support of Macklemore.

English chart-topping singer-songwriter Sheeran started the Loop Tour in support of his 2025 UK Number One Album ‘Play’ this January, visiting New Zealand, Australia and Latin America in the first half of the year. The North American leg kicked off in June, with British star Myles Smith acting as lead support act for the majority of dates until the last August show in Detroit, Michigan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by hear and there 〰️ (@hear.and.there.live)

Macklemore was scheduled to be main support for the second stretch, with September’s shows starting with two nights at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, followed by one at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and two at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. During both shows at the MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, he opened his pro-Palestine protest song ‘Hind’s Hall’ with a passionate speech addressing the worsening situations in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In the break from the music, he said he wanted the people of Palestine to know “they have not been forgotten”, and spoke of other global issues, adding “I say Free Palestine, free Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran and all the people of America who live in fear because of this terrorist organisation ICE.” In the conflict following on from the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack in 2023, it has been concluded that Israel are committing genocide in Palestine by both the United Nations and Amnesty International, and the British Government have placed sanctions on illegal Israeli West Bank settlements in recent weeks. The Israeli government denies all allegations regarding genocide and war crimes.

Macklemore’s actions were met with outrage by Israeli and Jewish groups including the Israeli American Council, which started a petition to Sheeran and his management team to drop the rapper from the remaining tour dates. Singer Pink (stylised P!NK) shared a post by page StopAntisemitism calling for Macklemore’s removal, before writing her own feelings about the effect of the incident on Jewish-Americans in an Instagram update. Her comment says in-part “You don’t have to agree with one thing Israel’s government does to not want the Jewish family two rows down from you to be scared or targeted at a concert.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BEN (@macklemore)

This evening, Macklemore announced on social media that he had been removed from all future dates of the Loop Tour, citing that the decision was made by “Ed Sheeran and his team”. In the post, he alleges that in conversation with Sheeran he found out that Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the Gillette Stadium – which was set to host the next two dates of the tour, would block the events if Macklemore was performing. In his own words, “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.” Macklemore clarifies in the piece that there is no ill-feeling with Ed Sheeran, and cements his philosophy that the two shows he played were worth it to send his message: “Free Palestine.”

Many figures in music have backed Macklemore’s resolve throughout, including Garbage singer Shirley Manson, who described his dismissal in an Instagram post as “madness. Sheer madness.” and Foo Fighter’s guitarist Chris Shiflett, who in conversation on the matter on X with blues artist Joe Bonamassa wrote “maybe speaking out against genocide trumps etiquette.” Elsewhere, Macklemore’s Instagram comments have seen replies from stars including UK rock group Bob Vylan frontman Bobby Vylan, who quoted the line “There is no thanks for a duty”. Bobby Vylan was at the centre of a year-long investigation by the Met Police, following his pro-Palestine speech and chants of “death to the IDF” during the band’s 2025 Glastonbury appearance – the Met Police announced in August that they will be taking no further action.

Messina Touring Group, who are the promoter for the US Loop Tour dates, told Rolling Stone that they had been informed by the venues that shows would not go ahead with Macklemore on the bill, and confirmed that the tour will continue without him. Variety have since published a statement by Robert Kraft explaining his reasoning for axing Macklemore, which says “Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech.”

For Ed Sheeran, the show must go on. His remaining shows for September are at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on the 19th, and the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on the 25th and 26th.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by hear and there 〰️ (@hear.and.there.live)

Ed Sheeran And RAYE Announced To Perform At Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball

Rasika Gupta — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:59:08 +0000

Ed Sheeran, RAYE and other artists have been confirmed to perform at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard next month.

The concert will return to The O2 in London on December 6 and 7.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Capital (@capitalofficial)

The Capital Jingle Bell Ball is a Christmas concert held in the UK every year and is hosted by Capital FM at The O2 Arena, which features top pop artists.

It’s known for its festive atmosphere, star-studded lineup and spectacular performances and celebrates the year’s biggest hits as well as kicking off the holiday season.

The line-up for night one was revealed this morning on Capital Breakfast by hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Siân Welby, who have also teased additional surprise performances.

Jordan said, “It’s official… Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard is back and this line-up is huge! The O2 is going to absolutely go off, and we’ve only announced night one!”

Also joining the line-up are Rizzle Kicks, Mimi Webb, Molly, Sonny Fodera, and Alessi Rose. A surprise Barclaycard Out of the Blue performance is also scheduled for the night.

Ed Sheeran returns following the release of his eighth studio album, ‘Play’, which includes the Number 1 single, ‘Azizam’. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, his performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Eight-time BRIT Award-winner RAYE joins the line-up, performing hit singles including ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!?’, and in a world-exclusive, will perform alongside her sisters Absolutely and Amma.

Anne-Marie is also set to deliver a performance full of her hit singles, including her latest single ‘DEPRESSED’.

Leigh-Anne will perform ahead of her debut solo album ‘My Ego Told Me To‘ which is set to be released next month.

Rizzle Kicks will make their first Jingle Bell Ball appearance since 2013, following the announcement of new music earlier this year.

The line-up also includes rising talent Alessi Rose, who has been named the first Capital Buzz Artist for Saturday night (December 6). The emerging singer recently supported Tate McRae and Noah Kahan on tour and will make her Capital Jingle Bell Ball debut.

Fans reactions to the line-up has been mainly positive with comments on the Instagram post including, “RAYE AND HER SISTERS IS EVERYTHING”, and “raye? alessi? absolutely? amma? anne-marie? leigh-anne? capital you have PULLED THROUGH”, but there has been some criticism with people saying, “please let Sunday’s lineup be better” and “Wow that is an awful lineup”.

Tickets will go on general sale November 7 via Global Player. Pre-sale access starts at 9am on November 6 for Capital listeners with a Global ID and Barclaycard customers, who can also get 10 per cent off tickets via Barclays Entertainment.

The line-up for night two will be announced at 7am November 6 on Capital Breakfast.

Rudimental Announce They Are Working On The Release of “Lost Tapes”

Lee Byrne — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:27:12 +0000

Rudimental have announced they are working on the release of previously unheard music featuring collaborations from Ed Sheeran and RAYE. The iconic drum-and-bass trio have announced the release of a compilation of ‘lost tapes’, featuring unheard tracks recorded throughout the years. This announcement comes just 5 days after their fifth studio album ‘RUDIME3NTAL‘ was released, on August 22. They are currently on tour with their new album and showed off their new single (‘Nights Like These featuring Rag’n’Bone Man’) while playing at Reading and Leeds Festival. See the reveal below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RUDIMENTAL (@rudimentaluk)

The trio, comprising of Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden and Leon Rolle, first released music in 2009, before approaching Amir Amor to be a songwriter and producer for the band in 2011. They continued as a quartet until 2022 before Amir left, leaving the band as a trio of the original members. They have discussed the release of the new demo tape with The Sun’s Bizarre column. Speaking to Bizarre, they spoke about unreleased collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran and RAYE, revealing that the their track with Ed Sheeran was recorded eight years ago and is still in the vault.

The band also revealed that they have barely left the studio since the release of their fourth album ‘Ground Control’, released in 2021. In this time, they wrote around 3,000 songs and were ready to release ‘RUDIM3NTAL‘ 2 years ago, until writing ‘Nights Like These’ with Rag’n’Bone man in December 2024 and finally deciding the album was ready for release. Due to the hard work and dedication by the band, their sixth album is already 70 percent complete. Speaking to Bizarre, Piers Aggett said “This album really was finished a year to two years ago, and then what happens is, you get in the studio and we wrote ‘Nights Like These (featuring Rag ’N’ Bone Man)’ in December. And we’re like, ‘OK, let’s finish that, then we’ll put the album out’. We’ve already definitely half-made the next album. Maybe 70 per cent of the next album.”

Rudimental also announced the conception of their own new record label in 2026. Speaking to Bizarre, Kesi Dryden said “As Rudimental, we’ve always been a platform for artists. And in 2026, we’re starting a new record label. We’ll be supporting new vocalists, new producers and dance acts. I think that’s a big part of our focus. I think that’s reignited the fire for us and we’re super-excited about the next chapter.”

Rudimental are well known for creating songs of the summer and have a catalogue of hits, including ‘These Days’ featuring Jess Glynne, ‘Feel The Love’ featuring John Newman and ‘Waiting All Night’ featuring Ella Eyre, all songs which reached #1 in the UK Official Singles Chart. The band have fine-tuned the creation of #1 singles, so be prepared to hear much more of them following the release of their latest album.

Rudimental are playing a show in Circuit, London on September 7 followed by a gig at the iconic Amensia club in Ibiza, then going Orlando, Florida to play the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Tickets for the show in London can be bought here.

Listen to Rudimental’s latest release ‘RUDIM3NTAL‘ below.

Ed Sheeran Sells ‘Cosmic Carpark Paintings’ To Raise Money For Youth Music Education

Maddy Joseph — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:06 +0000

Global popstar Ed Sheeran is venturing into other artistic mediums, launching an exhibition and print sale of his abstract ‘Cosmic Carpark Paintings’ to raise funds for his charity, the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The show opens at Heni Gallery in central London on July 11 and runs until August 1, with a special opening preview held today, July 10, from 2pm to 8pm.

The abstract works, which Sheeran describes as colourful, Pollock-inspired splashes of paint, will be available to view in person and purchase as limited-edition prints. Each print is priced at £900, with 50% of proceeds from both the exhibition and print sales going directly to the Ed Sheeran Foundation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran Foundation (@edsheeranfnd)

Formed in January 2025, the Ed Sheeran Foundation supports music education in state schools and grassroots youth organisations across the UK. Its mission is to highlight and expand access to music, particularly for young people, while advocating for music’s proven benefits to mental health, physical wellbeing, social connection, and future career opportunities. MXDWN’s initial coverage on the formation of the Ed Sheeran Foundation can be read here.

The global music star began painting during breaks in his touring and recording schedule and has increasingly turned to art as a creative outlet. Posting on Instagram, Sheeran explained the origins of the exhibition: “So last year in between shows I was doing these paintings. I love painting, more for fun and to give to friends, but this time I was encouraged to do a show of them by @damienhirst and @heni. I paint when I’m not working on a record, just to do something creative with my brain. And it’s mostly just splashing colours on canvases, think Jackson Pollock but with colourful house paint.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

He added: “I am by no means ‘an artist’, but I do love making art, it makes me feel great, and I love the end result. The paintings are for sale if anyone fancies it, and my proceeds from them will all go into the @edsheeranfnd so art will fund art. I like the idea of that. There’s also prints and other merch available, all quite fun. If you happen to be in soho over the next month pop in.”

This isn’t Sheeran’s first foray into visual art. In 2020, he donated a painting to a charity auction that raised £40,000, and he has designed several of his own album and EP covers including the art for his 2021 single ‘Afterglow’.

His foundation work aligns with his wider campaign to improve access to music education. Earlier this year, Sheeran joined artists including Sir Elton John in calling on the UK government to invest £250 million in youth music programmes. MXDWN’s full coverage of the campaign can be read here.

Ed Sheeran Brings Out Wheatus’ Brendan Brown for Surprise Performance of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ in Hamburg

Maddy Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:16:00 +0000

Ed Sheeran delivered a surprise moment for fans in Hamburg by bringing out Wheatus frontman Brendan Brown for a live rendition of the cult classic ‘Teenage Dirtbag’. The unexpected duet took place during Sheeran’s show at the Volksparkstadion in Germany, part of his current European tour.

The collaboration occurred mid-way through the set, following performances of fan favourites ‘Photograph’ and ‘Tenerife Sea’. Addressing the crowd, Sheeran teased a “cool surprise” and shared a personal story about the reunion of his high school band earlier this year. He explained that the band had reformed in April to play a wedding for a close friend—performing, among other tracks, the same song they used to cover as teenagers: ‘Teenage Dirtbag’.

Sheeran then invited his high school band to join him on stage before welcoming Brendan Brown to huge cheers from the audience. Together, they performed the 2000 hit single, creating a nostalgic full-circle moment that Sheeran later described as one of his favourite performances to date.

In a post shared via Instagram, Sheeran reflected on his long-standing connection to the song. He recalled playing ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ with his band at age 12 and said the wedding performance in April rekindled those memories. “We had so much fun playing it,” he wrote that he “cheekily asked Brendan from @wheatusofficial to come over and rock it with us, and being the ledge that he is, he did. One of my fav moments ever on stage, thank you, Brendan. What a night x”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

The original track appeared on Wheatus’ self-titled debut album, released in 2000. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the band has announced a commemorative tour that will see the full album performed live at each show, alongside other fan favourites from their catalogue. The band will be touring internationally before coming to the UK for 16 shows across November and December 2025. Tickets for the tour are currently available and can be accessed here.

Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran continues his run of live shows across Europe and is preparing for a homecoming series of concerts in the UK. He will perform three nights at Ipswich Town Football Club’s Portman Road Stadium from 11–13 July. The performances are expected to be a major event for the town, which has been decorated in pink bunting to mark the occasion. MXDWN’s earlier coverage of the Suffolk towns celebration of Sheeran’s homecoming performances can be read here.

Ed Sheeran’s Hamburg duet with Brendan Brown has already been widely shared across social media, with fans praising the heartfelt tribute to a beloved track that defined a generation.

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ Co-Writer Speaks Out after Copyright Case Ends

Asia Leadbitter — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:35:26 +0000

Ed Sheeran’s co-writer Amy Wadge has given her thoughts on the ‘Thinking Out Loud’ copyright trial coming to a close.

After a decade-long legal battle, in which Ed Sheeran was accused by several parties of plagiarising the 1973 Marvin Gaye hit ‘Let’s Get It On’, the US courts ruled in Sheeran’s favour.

The first claim came from the family of American singer-songwriter Ed Townsend, who co-wrote ‘Let’s Get It On’, in 2014, accusing both Sheeran and Wadge of plagiarism, seeking £73 million in damages. The family’s case was based on the two songs having a similar chord pattern, and while Sheeran’s team acknowledged that was the case, they argued that these chords were “building blocks” for pop music, and many songs have used the same syncopated chord pattern long before Gaye’s 1973 record. In 2023, a New York court ruled in Sheeran’s favour, the judge asserting that ‘Thinking Out Loud’ was “independently created”. To celebrate the ruling, both Wadge and Sheeran got matching tattoos of the quote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy Wadge (@wadge1975)

Speaking to reporters about the case, and his decision to fight rather than to settle, Sheeran said: “I am not and will never allow myself to be a piggy bank for anyone to shake.”

A second lawsuit arose in 2018, this time initiated by Structured Asset Sales (SAS), another partial co-owner of Gaye’s royalties from ‘Let’s Get It On’, founded and run by investment banker David Pullman. They sued both Wadge and Sheeran separately, but the claims were quickly dismissed in court, leading to a series of appeals launched by SAS. They appealed to the Supreme Court in March, but the case was dismissed this Monday (16 June), with the same reasoning used in the 2018 verdict: The chords in Gaye’s record are too commonplace in pop to have legal protection.

Speaking to the New York-based Second US Circuit Court of Appeals, judge Michael Park commented: “No reasonable jury could find that the two songs, taken as a whole, are substantially similar in light of their dissimilar melodies and lyrics.”

In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Amy Wadge weighs in on the verdict: “The absolute truth is that song changed my life. I didn’t have a hit until I was 37 and that was the one.

“I was able to feel like I’d had a hit for a year and then all of a sudden it felt like the wolves were surrounding.

“It was incredibly frightening.”

She goes on to explain: “It was certainly a financial threat, but there was also… this huge existential threat of what it meant for the world of songwriting I always felt the weight of that.

“People would tell me that everyone was looking at this case and I knew that had [SAS] been successful it really would have caused a huge issue for creativity in general. It was a big responsibility.”

Wadge and Sheeran haven’t had the chance to talk about the case yet, as Sheeran is currently on tour, though she says “I’m quite sure at some point we’ll be able to sit down and say, ‘Thank goodness’.”

For MXDWN’s coverage about Ed Sheeran’s upcoming shows in Ipswich, click here.

Ipswich to “Turn Pink” to Celebrate Ed Sheeran’s Return

Asia Leadbitter — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:25:41 +0000

Ipswich is set to decorate its town pink in celebration of Ed Sheeran’s return for a series of shows.

The pop megastar was raised in Framlingham, a town north of Ipswich, and is a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town FC, in which he now owns a minority stake.

Ed Sheeran will be playing three shows at Ipswich Town Football Club’s home stadium, Portman Road, from 11 July to 13 July. Each night, he’ll be accompanied by special guest performers, such as Busted, Tori Kelly and James Blunt to name a few.

To celebrate, Ipswich Borough Council, along with Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, have announced they will decorate the town in pink bunting, the same shade of pink that features on the cover of Sheeran’s upcoming album ‘Play’.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by All About Ipswich (@allaboutipswich)

Leo Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, shares his enthusiasm: “When we heard that global superstar, dedicated Ipswich Town fan and local lad Ed Sheeran was coming home to perform in Ipswich this summer, and bringing 90,000 fans with him, we knew we had to celebrate.

“As we ‘Welcome Home Ed’, it is a chance for the whole town to celebrate as the eyes of the world fall on the town.

“We are the only town getting this opportunity this summer. Ipswich has a proud history of turning out and turning up to celebrate its successful sons and daughters, so let’s seize the opportunity once more as we ‘Welcome Home Ed’.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Ipswich has turned pink for Ed Sheeran. In August last year, Ipswich Town unveiled a Suffolk-inspired football kit, in a collaboration with the artist. Instead of ‘Play’ pink, the kit took inspiration from Suffolk pink, a unique shade of pink paint which covers homes all across the county. It also featured mathematical symbols, from Sheeran’s iconic albums and ‘Mathematics’ tour, and a silhouette of Framlingham Castle, a reference to his hometown, and in Sheeran’s opinion, “a huge landmark of Suffolk.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Throughout July, Ipswich Borough Council will also provide a variety of street entertainment, such as live performances from local talent, and on concert days, there will be a fan zone in the town square, where customers can enjoy food, drink and merchandise.

As well as this, Ipswich Central is hosting a window dressing competition, challenging businesses to decorate their windows in ‘Play’ themed colours. The winner will receive a £500 cash prize.

Venues that have a connection to Sheeran will be highlighted in walking tours hosted by All About Ipswich.

Borough Councillor Neil MacDonald added: “Ipswich is really excited about the gigs coming up on Ed’s home turf and I’m sure plenty of people will be on board with painting the town pink.

“We are very happy to welcome him back, and the whole area will benefit from the boost to the local economy.”

You can get your tickets to Ed Sheeran’s Portman Road shows here.

Ed Sheeran Gives Surprise Performance In Sheffield Alongside DJ AG

Hugh Williams — Tue, 20 May 2025 11:45:21 +0000

Ed Sheeran has given fans another surprise performance, this time in Sheffield on Saturday (May 17) appearing alongside DJ AG.

The ‘Thinking Out Loud’ songwriter performed a few of his hits including ‘Shape Of You’ and his most recent single, ‘Azizam’. He was also joined by grime legend JME for a version of ‘Radio’ from Ed’s 2011 release, ‘No. 5 Collaborations Project’ EP.

Sheeran was appearing in support of TRACKS – a group created by Sheffield Music School and Sheffield Music Hub, which helps young people break into the music industry. The group was awarded three years of funding from the Ed Sheeran Foundation earlier this year.

The group’s music facilitator, Louis Barclay, told the BBC of how the Sheffield group gained its support from Sheeran: “It started with Ed visiting TRACKS and seeing what we do,” he said.

“I think he just felt the ethos of what we do and saw it was something he wanted to support.”

As well as well-known stars like Ed Sheeran and JME, several students of TRACKS got to perform their new single called ‘Spotlight’. TRACKS performers Max, 16, and Jayden, 13, spoke with deep appreciation for the opportunity to jump on the set.

“It was insane, words cannot describe how good it was, it was just mad,” said Max. Jayden added: “I was so excited. I’ve never met him in person before and he’s one of the nicest persons I’ve ever met and I mean that from the deepest point of my heart.”

@djagonline @Ed Sheeran and @Kid_blu3 #djagonline #teamag #ukdj #london #djlife #teamag #tiktokdj #pop #edsheeran #active #sheffield #hiphop ♬ original sound – DJ AG ONLINE

London-based DJ AG has been leading open mic live streams in London and other cities, gaining virality on Tik Tok and other social media platforms. His ‘open format’ streams are known for their variety and accessibility: you may see well-known music icons like Skepta, D Double E or Jorja Smith perform during his sets, but he also gives space for up-and-coming/amateur performers to showcase their talents. He humbly told the BBC that “it’s not about me, I’m just a facilitator showcasing talent, trying to help, do my part, giving it everything and hopefully everyone had a good time.” His community-minded musical efforts led to him being named TimeOut’s Londoner Of The Year in 2024.

@djagonline @Jorja Smith Pulls up #djagonline #teamag #ukdj #community #music #birmingham ♬ original sound – DJ AG ONLINE

Throughout the past year, Sheeran has been giving pop-up performances around the world, with the singer-songwriter making appearances in India, London, New Orleans and New York to name a few. His eighth studio album, ‘Play’, is set to be released in September later this year, so far supported by two singles, ‘Azizam’ and ‘Old Phone’.

Sheeran was recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 – you can read our MXDWN coverage on that here.

Ed Sheeran Named On Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ List

Hugh Williams — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:57:15 +0000

Ed Sheeran has been named one of Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ of 2025. The British musician is the face of one of the five different covers for the issue and gave an accompanying interview to the magazine.

In the feature, Ed gave some insight into his initial interest in performance after a wedding gig, his creative spirit and his future plans for music: “I think now I’ve explored everything…So it is kind of stripping it back a little bit and finding the joy in creating s***,” the singer said.

Ed Sheeran named as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential https://t.co/GljBOVM73m

— The Independent (@Independent) April 16, 2025

“I’ve kind of got to a point of my career where I’m just sort of like, ‘Am I enjoying it?’” rather than, ‘Is it commercially doing well?’”

He also shared his feelings on his court battle with the Marvin Gaye estate over plagiarism claims, when the classic soul singers team accused Sheeran of copying ‘Let’s Get It On’ for his 2014 hit, ‘Thinking Out Loud’.

“I don’t see why I would write songs ever again if someone owns the colour blue,” comparing the owning of a chord sequence as ridiculous as owning a colour: He added that since his victory in the case, that “everyone’s left me the f*** alone – and the freedom really just lifted a weight.”

In a new video from Time’s YouTube, he humbly starts by saying he “never thought he’d be on a front cover… so thanks!”. Throughout the video, we’re given some stats that contextualize his influence – he’s the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify, and has “shattered” streaming and concert records around the world.

Within the new magazine issue, two friends of Ed offered some kind words about the ‘Shape Of You’ hitmaker. Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth praised his emotive songwriting that resonates with fans, saying that “His songs, his voice, his words – they belong to all of us. Whether you’re at home with your headphones on, driving through the countryside, or in a stadium packed with 70,000 people singing at the top of their lungs, his music feels personal.

Music producer and collaborator Benny Blanco also spoke highly of Sheeran’s work ethic – “Normally, it takes me like a week to write a good song,” Blanco said. “He does not leave the studio until he writes three songs in a day. It’s insane.”

The TIME100 is an annual list that highlights the 100 most influential people in the world. This issue has five worldwide covers, with one including Ed Sheeran. The other four to appear include actress Demi Moore, hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, tennis player Serena Williams and CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis.

TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley said of the yearly issue: “The 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognizes the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future. We look forward to bringing together the newest members of this extraordinary community at the annual TIME100 Summit and TIME100 Gala with our incredible partners.”

As well as rolling out his upcoming album, titled ‘Play’, Ed has recently returned to his busking roots by staging spontaneous performances in places like the NYC subway, as well as in other cities. You can read our coverage on that here.