Over an hour early for the show, the line already runs down Market Lane, such is Ed Sheeran’s popularity. The demographic is in the vicinity of 16 to 18, although we hear one punter say she is 13, and predominantly female. In light of this, chances of squealing seem high.
It’s a “secret” gig, which adds to the heightened sense of anticipation. Not so secret really though, since it was on the news and Nova this morning. Ed is here to promote his new album X (read “multiply”), which will be released on June 23. He comes to the stage and sparks a squealing frenzy. There is a sea of expectant faces out there and everyone is unabashedly brandishing a mobile phone.
Ed tells us that he is going to perform a mix of old and new. More squeals. He opens with the five minute epic track, Give Me Love off +, his first album (in keeping with the arithmetic theme).
Everyone sings. It’s a bit weird because a little lyrical analysis reveals that a lot of his songs are about compulsive alcohol consumption and other dark topics (for instance, the death of a young woman on class A drugs in A Team). It’s a bit lost on this audience though.
He takes his jacket off. This time, there’s hysteria. At one stage, he splits the audience in two for an old-fashioned sing-along and everyone loves it. He sings almost exclusively with his eyes shut and he’s right in the moment. Understandably so, his lyrics can be complicated and quick (best demonstrated today on the new F64). It’s a short set (about five songs in total) and he finishes with another new one, the somewhat sexy Sing, produced by Pharrell. He knows how to work his audience, but, quite frankly, he is really personable and damn he can sing.
BY MEG CRAWFORD
Loved: Surprisingly, all the screaming.
Hated: Unsurprisingly, all the screaming.
Drank: Nothing – it was lunch time and I was well caffeinated.
