On March 12th, English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran touched down in India for the “+ – = ÷ x” Tour’s Indian leg. On Saturday night, he captivated a sold-out crowd at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in South Mumbai with a two-and-a-half-hour concert featuring over 30 songs. The electrifying performance wasn’t just a solo act – British musical phenomenon Ed Sheeran collaborated with Indian artists Diljit Dosanjh and Armaan Malik, taking the energy to another level. A familiar face to Indian audiences, Sheeran expressed his delight at returning to the country after his previous visits in 2015 and 2017. As we bid farewell to Ed Sheeran for wonderful times ahead, here are some fascinating, little-known facts about him that you won’t want to miss!
ED GAVE HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE AT THE AGE OF 11!
His first taste of the spotlight came at the tender age of 11, during a school performance. Originally planned as a duet with his friend Dan on piano, the show took an unexpected turn when the instrument couldn’t be brought on stage. Left alone under the lights, Ed faced his nerves and delivered a solo performance. Despite the initial hiccup, the audience responded positively, leaving no doubt about his budding talent. Sheeran went on to say, “I suddenly got this buzz of like, oh I could do something. So that was like my first time.”
ED SHEERAN WROTE SONGS FOR ONE DIRECTION, SWIFT, THE WEEKND AND OTHERS BIGGIES BEFORE GOING SOLO!
Ed Sheeran’s path to stardom wasn’t solely paved with his own music. Even before his solo career exploded, he was already a sought-after songwriter, crafting tunes for established artists. His talent for weaving catchy melodies with relatable lyrics was evident right since the very start. This success not only honed his skills but also garnered him significant industry recognition. To name a few, the list includes One Direction, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Jessie Ware, Rudimental, Usher, Justin Bieber, Major Lazer, Hillary Duff, Robbie Williams, Olly Murs, Stormzy, and many more.
ED SHEERAN HAS MADE CAMEO APPEARANCES IN TV SHOWS AND MOVIES
Beyond the music, Ed Sheeran is a surprise face on screen. From “Game of Thrones” to “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” he’s popped up with acting cameos.
COULD YOU MAKE HIT SONG IN JUST £20! WELL, ED JUST DID IT!
Ed Sheeran proved you don’t need a big budget for a hit. The music video for his 2011 song ‘The A Team’ was made for a mere £20! That investment paid off, with the song selling over 58,000 copies in its first week.
HE HAS SPENT NIGHTS SLEEPING ON THE SUBWAY!
Struggling financially, he used the ‘Circle Line’ as a temporary sleeping spot when it opened in the mornings. Reportedly he also used to sleep outside ‘Buckingham Palace’ during this period.
IS IT TRUE THAT ED USED TO STUTTER? HOW WAS IT CURED?
Believe it or not, Ed Sheeran used to stutter! At a 2015 American Institute for Stuttering Gala, he revealed a surprising cure for his childhood speech impediment. After traditional therapy didn’t work, Ed found relief in an unexpected place: Eminem’s music. By diligently learning the rapper’s “fast and melodic” lyrics, Ed was able to overcome his stutter by the age of 10!
CAN YOU IMAGINE RIHANNA SINGING ‘SHAPE OF YOU’? WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Ed Sheeran’s smash hit “Shape of You” almost had a different voice! Back in 2017, Ed revealed that while writing the song, Rihanna was initially who he envisioned performing it. He even started crafting lyrics with her in mind. However, as the song developed, Ed realized the lyrics might not be the best fit for her style. This shift in perspective led him to keep the song for himself, ultimately shaping the global hit we know today.
MARVIN GAYE CLAIMED SHEERAN’S ‘THINKING OUT LOUD’ HAD MUSIC PIECES FROM HIS ‘LET’S GET IT ON’. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Thinking Out Loud” faced a legal challenge in 2023. Marvin Gaye’s estate claimed parts of the song infringed upon the copyright of Gaye’s classic “Let’s Get It On.” However, after deliberation, the jury ruled in Sheeran’s favor. This means he won’t have to share royalties from the song with the Gaye estate, avoiding a potentially hefty payout. While legal battles can be expensive, Sheeran emerged victorious, keeping “Thinking Out Loud” his own.
ED SHEERAN IS HEAVILY TATTOOED!
Beyond his music, Ed Sheeran is known for his impressive collection of over 60 tattoos. Each one tells a story, reflecting moments and experiences that have shaped his life. Sheeran is a dedicated collector, with a wide variety of designs adorning his body. Some highlights include a majestic lion on his chest, the iconic Sagrada Familia on his stomach, and playful icons like boxing gloves, a koala, the Heinz Ketchup logo, and even a cup of tea! Many of these tattoos hold personal meaning, sometimes even referencing his music. For example, the lyric “Everything that happens from now on” from Bon Iver’s “Re: Stacks” is inked in his own handwriting. A teddy bear on his arm nods to his childhood nickname, “Teddy.” Sheeran even has a touching tribute to his mother – a tattoo of Henri Matisse’s mother and child portrait. He explained, “It was the first thing I bought with a paycheck for my mum. I bought her a drawing of mother and child.”
HE’S A 4 TIME GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST
His talent has been recognized by the music industry’s most prestigious award, the Grammy. Sheeran has taken home 4 Grammys, including the Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for his hit “Thinking Out Loud.”
All information sourced from various sources purely for factual reporting purpose only
Image courtesy: Simone Joyner/Getty Images
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