It was 2011 when I first saw Rupert Grint feature in Lego House: a new soft, easy-listening song by a British guy named Ed Sheeran, who also happened to have red hair. Little did we know then that Lego House would only be the beginning of three smash hit albums, three world tours and billions of fans worldwide. 

Ed Sheeran’s Divide tour has actually broken a record in Australia, having sold over a million tickets. 

Last weekend saw Ed Sheeran’s Divide tour grace ANZ Stadium in Sydney for three nights in a row. 

A Word From Brett was fortunate enough to secure a seat in ANZ Stadium on Friday night. After hearing traffic warnings all over the radio, we made the decision to drive to Sydney early in the afternoon, and arrived at the stadium shortly before 6. Sheeran was supported by Irish singer Ryan McMullen and our own Missy Higgins, who warmed us thoroughly as the anticipation for Ed grew.

As 8:45, aka show time loomed, the stadium filled with people. Sitting four rows from the top of the stadium, you could say I had a bird’s eye view.

By 8:40, the stadium was packed.

At 8:45, the lights went out, and a spotlight and cameraman followed a humble, red-headed guy in a blue flanno as he walked to the stage. 

 

Little did I realise until he mentioned it, Ed was not only the lead vocalist, but also the entire band on his own as he held his guitar and created a drum beat using a loop pedal. 

For two hours, the audience enjoyed a set list packed with songs from all three of Ed’s albums. From the reminiscent Castle on the Hill, love songs Seventeen and Perfect, to provocative Shape of You, the entire audience was captivated. Ed even received a standing ovation as he returned for an encore. Check out the video below!

At the risk of sounding like a security guard, the evening spent at ANZ Stadium was completely trouble free. Even as the 78,000 fans descended the stairs to exit the venue, and we waited over 40 minutes to board a train back to Strathfield, the vibes were nothing but positive. Yes, it was a little off putting as drunk people sang at the top of their lungs as they headed home, but there was no denying the happiness everybody was feeling.

 

Music is such a funny thing. Fundamentally it is the use of one or more instruments in a particular tune and melody. When lyrics are added, these can be used to tell a story, express a point of view, share feelings. Soon, you have more than just three minutes worth of catchy music. You have a song. 

What has struck me the most is how an ordinary boy from Suffolk, England can bring 78,000 people together on one night, not to mention billions of people worldwide; putting smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. His cool, easy going spirit invokes this response from all walks of life old, young, male, female. There is no discrimination with Ed Sheeran fandom, but what is it that everyone is so attracted to?

Personally, as a male fan I love Ed’s catchy lyrics and carefree sentiments. There is something so normal about the commentary on his life through his songs. However, there is also something attractive about his personality. Ed is famous worldwide, with three albums, three world tours, appearances on shows like Game of Thrones and Home and Away, as well as a multitude of awards under his belt. And yet, at his show, he told 78,000 of his fans that he thought he was “rubbish at putting on a show”, and thinks of the audience as his band. 

In the past, we’ve seen how fame can affect celebrities, and it is usually a similar storyline. Young boy or girl is discovered with a talent. They are thrust into the spotlight, suddenly earning millions of dollars, rubbing shoulders with other celebrities on the red carpet. They enjoy a few years of their newfound stardom before things start to go sour. They start suffering from depression, they can’t go anywhere without an army of bodyguards, everything they do ends up in the gossip magazines, and their family become more like servants. 

I know what you’re probably thinking. I am merely describing a stereotype, but how many times have we seen this happen?

I don’t feel that this has happened to Ed. There is something incredibly humble, down to earth and completely normal about his demeanour. Ed could be the friendly neighbour that you wave to every day, and have a beer with at the pub on a Saturday night.

For me, personally, that is what I like best about Ed Sheeran: the fact that he is still a completely normal person.

What do you think? Be sure to comment below. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first Word on Music. Stay tuned for more. Peace out for now.

xoxo Brett