mxdwn.co.uk » Ed Sheeran https://www.mxdwn.co.uk all that matters in music in the UK Tue, 12 May 2026 14:54:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1 Ed Sheeran And RAYE Announced To Perform At Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-and-raye-announced-to-perform-at-capitals-jingle-bell-ball/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-and-raye-announced-to-perform-at-capitals-jingle-bell-ball/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:59:08 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=113985 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.

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.

 

 

 

 

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-and-raye-announced-to-perform-at-capitals-jingle-bell-ball/feed/ 0 Rudimental Announce They Are Working On The Release of “Lost Tapes” https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/rudimental-announce-release-of-lost-tapes/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/rudimental-announce-release-of-lost-tapes/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:27:12 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=112498 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:

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.

 

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/rudimental-announce-release-of-lost-tapes/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Sells ‘Cosmic Carpark Paintings’ To Raise Money For Youth Music Education https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-sells-cosmic-carpark-paintings-to-raise-money-for-youth-music-education/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-sells-cosmic-carpark-paintings-to-raise-money-for-youth-music-education/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:06 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=111360 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.

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.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-sells-cosmic-carpark-paintings-to-raise-money-for-youth-music-education/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Brings Out Wheatus’ Brendan Brown for Surprise Performance of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ in Hamburg https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-brings-out-wheatus-brendan-brown-for-surprise-performance-of-teenage-dirtbag-in-hamburg/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-brings-out-wheatus-brendan-brown-for-surprise-performance-of-teenage-dirtbag-in-hamburg/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:16:00 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=111307 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”.


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.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-brings-out-wheatus-brendan-brown-for-surprise-performance-of-teenage-dirtbag-in-hamburg/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ Co-Writer Speaks Out after Copyright Case Ends https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheerans-thinking-out-loud-co-writer-speaks-out-after-copyright-case-ends/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheerans-thinking-out-loud-co-writer-speaks-out-after-copyright-case-ends/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:35:26 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=110676 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.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheerans-thinking-out-loud-co-writer-speaks-out-after-copyright-case-ends/feed/ 0 Ipswich to “Turn Pink” to Celebrate Ed Sheeran’s Return https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ipswich-to-turn-pink-to-celebrate-ed-sheerans-return/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ipswich-to-turn-pink-to-celebrate-ed-sheerans-return/#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2025 13:25:41 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=110107 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’. 

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.” 

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. 

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ipswich-to-turn-pink-to-celebrate-ed-sheerans-return/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Gives Surprise Performance In Sheffield Alongside DJ AG https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-gives-surprise-performance-in-sheffield-alongside-dj-ag/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-gives-surprise-performance-in-sheffield-alongside-dj-ag/#comments Tue, 20 May 2025 11:45:21 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=109638 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.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-gives-surprise-performance-in-sheffield-alongside-dj-ag/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Named On Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ List https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-named-on-time-magazines-100-most-influential-people-list/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-named-on-time-magazines-100-most-influential-people-list/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:57:15 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=108933 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.

“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.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-named-on-time-magazines-100-most-influential-people-list/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Surprises Subway Passengers With Undercover Performance https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-surprises-subway-passengers-with-undercover-performance/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-surprises-subway-passengers-with-undercover-performance/#comments Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:18:45 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=108164 British pop sensation Ed Sheeran went back to his busking roots with a secret performance at a NYC subway station. The English singer-songwriter was disguised in a black hoodie, sunglasses and wig under a grey beanie when he put on a surprise gig. Here, the singer put on a surprise gig, performing an acoustic cover of Chappell Roan’s electrifying hit Pink Pony Cub. 

The singer was beaming throughout his performance, as shown in a video clip that went viral on X. Fans were shocked by his impromptu performance, taking to social media to express their amazement and post clips of the secret gig.      

Following this surprise performance, fans also began to speculate that the gig was being used as promotion for a potential upcoming album, going as far to say that it was ‘imminent’. 

After his performance of Pink Pony Club, Sheeran removed his disguise to reveal his cheerful face to the audience as well as that of his duet partner Jimmy Fallon. The performance was discovered to have been filmed as a segment for the artist’s appearance on Fallon’s talk show The Tonight Show.  The artist has been in the public eye this past week with his open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging the UK government to invest £250m in music education. On The Tonight Show, Sheeran talks about his creative process, showing his passion for creativity which aligns with this current effort. Here, he also reveals the title of his new album, which will be called ‘Play’, and discusses the Persian influences for his upcoming song ‘Azizam’ which debuted in New Orleans. This has since been given a confirmed release date of April 4. On the show, the artist also sings another new unreleased song titled ‘Old Phone’.

Sheeran is very familiar with the art of busking, having done so when he moved to London in 2008 at the age of 18 and since using busking performances to promote new music and appearances in major cities. His first album ‘+’  showcased this acoustic, busking influence with hits such as ‘The A Team’, which he has since re-released as a live track on album ‘+-=÷x (Tour Collection: Live). With this public stunt, the artist pays tribute to these performances and could be hinting at more acoustic bangers to come. This is especially pertinent with the familiar folky, sombre feel of his new track ‘Old Phone’, reminiscent of his early music. 

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-surprises-subway-passengers-with-undercover-performance/feed/ 0 Ed Sheeran Leads Call for £250 Million Investment in Music Education https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-leads-call-for-250-million-investment-in-music-education/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-leads-call-for-250-million-investment-in-music-education/#comments Sun, 23 Mar 2025 15:05:16 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=108026 British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has joined forces with over 500 musicians, including Elton John, Harry Styles, and Coldplay, to urge the UK government to invest £250 million in music education. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the artists warn that without immediate action, music programmes in state schools will continue to decline, depriving the next generation of opportunities to explore and develop their talent.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over cuts to arts funding and the diminishing role of music in the national curriculum. Reports have shown that music education in state schools has suffered significantly over the past decade, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The open letter argues that without proper funding, music will become an exclusive privilege for wealthier students, further deepening inequalities in the industry.

Sheeran, who himself benefited from state-funded programmes in his youth, stressed the importance of ensuring that young people, regardless of background, have the chance to pursue a career in music. In his Instagram post, the musician said: “As a young music student and aspiring artist, I benefited from opportunities in and out of school to learn & grow. Unfortunately, after decades of defunding and de-prioritising, music is no longer a right for all children – it’s a luxury for only a few.”

Other notable artists who have co-signed the letter include Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Myles Smith, who also commented on Sheeran’s post stating: “Governments need to realise the importance of music not only as a cultural export and financial hub, but as the foundation and key feature of our society and community. Growing up in working-class Luton, access to music wasn’t just a way out – it was a way of living. It gave me purpose, belonging, and a voice. That’s why investing in music matters. It changes lives. It changed mine.” In January 2025, Sheeran has established the Ed Sheeran Foundation, aiming to empower children across the UK with meaningful music education. The foundation seeks to address the decline in music education within state schools by providing support and advocating for equal access to high-quality music programs. ​

 

 

 

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Additionally, The UK-based charity, Youth Music, invests in grassroots organisations and young creatives to ensure all young people have access to music. Over 25 years, Youth Music has invested over £263 million to secure music’s future and improve industry representation, making the next generation of creative talent more diverse and inclusive.​In November 2024, they partnered with Spotify to create a dedicated fund aimed at supporting 15 grassroots youth spaces across the UK that were facing imminent closure or struggling to survive.

The letter calls for a long-term funding commitment to improve music education infrastructure, hire specialist teachers, and provide instruments to students in need. Whilst the government has yet to issue a formal response, campaigners hope that growing public support will put pressure on policymakers to act swiftly. This bold move by Sheeran and his fellow artists signals a crucial moment for the future of music education in the UK.

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