Why is Ed Sheeran one of the most beloved (and, unquestionably, highly talented) musical artists on the planet? Having arrived by train from Sydney, he answered that emphatically on the opening night of a three-night stadium concert series in Melbourne, part of his Loop Tour. Marvel Stadium was metaphorically heaving under the collective anticipation of 60,000 plus fans.
Then, spot on 8pm, he wandered into the middle of the packed arena, and delivered a show that was laid back, expressive and, somehow, intimate. Many of the hits were there – Shape of You, Perfect, Thinking Out Loud, Shivers, Castle on the Hill and I Don’t Care amongst them – performed loop pedal style. But then there was his unmistakable connection with the audience.
In between tracks, he talked about his journey, from starting to write songs at age 11 to being initially rejected by record labels while still a teen, but persisting. That led to growth as a singer/songwriter. Melbourne embraced him when he was in his infancy as a performer, playing in front of only a few dozen people and he references that.
He remains highly respectful of all who turn out to see him, many of whom have grown up with him. He expressed his gratitude that a fair number had brought with them the next generation – their children. He said it takes effort to buy the tickets and then make our way by whatever means – train, plane or automobile – to the venue and back. And, again, for that he said thanks. He didn’t need to, but he did.
And he regaled us with more than two and a half hours of solid entertainment, frequently switching guitars in the process. From soulful ballads to hip-hop influenced tunes, his vocal diversity, versatility and excellence is astounding. And all this comes with staging that is as impressive as Ed Sheeran. The first thing I noticed was an imposing, massive screen that curls in slightly at the edges. On it is generated a veritable cornucopia of colour.
The graphics are mesmerising, with live, larger than life visuals of Ed doing what he does best – sing and strum from the heart – throughout. Pyrotechnics, fire throwers and lasers add appreciably to the atmospherics, as does audience participation. At various junctures, Ed has us up on our feet, dancing and swaying, clapping our hands, jumping (yes, jumping) and harmonising.
An electronic drawbridge – a nice touch – enables Ed to wander back and forth over the crowd, from the main stage to the central stage and he is frequently on the move. Among the highlights of a highlight rich concert are the numbers he performs with Irish folk band Beoga, starting with the evocative Galway Girl. These songs are so lyrical and upbeat.
Notwithstanding all the showiness, which I have alluded to, Ed comes across as a really decent, down-to-earth guy – a humble 35-year-old who finally wanders off stage with a simple wave. He is not about pretence, but about giving pleasure to his millions of devoted fans around the world … and we are better off for it.
Having already played Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Ed Sheeran performs again at Marvel Stadium tonight and tomorrow night. The New Zealand and Australian tour finishes at Adelaide Oval on 5th March, 2026. For tickets, go to https://www.frontiertouring.com/edsheeran
Alex First
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.