Black T-Shirt, plain pair of dark washed jeans, seemingly unbrushed hair. The outfit of a celebrity? Surprisingly, yes.
Since his first album, Ed Sheeran has been someone I think incredibly highly of. His talent is undeniable, and who he is as a person, is someone I can't help but look up to.
On September 22nd, 2017, I had the opportunity to go to Sheeran's concert, as a part of his Divide Tour for his latest album. Any other concert I had ever been to, there seems to be a common sequence of events at the beginning. An opening act where you only know that one song they have on the radio, followed by a grand entrance by the main event with smoke machines and the artist popping out from under the stage. As Sheeran's opening act, James Blunt, took the stage, he walked on, and sarcastically spoke about how he was aware we only knew his one song, but that he hoped he could share some of his new music with us. This feeling of openness was refreshing, and it was far from over.
After Blunt, the lights were shut off completely, and the stadium (appropriately) went wild. Expecting a huge pop-star to come out of thin air, you can assume my amazement when a messy, ginger-haired man just walked right on up the stairs (THE STAIRS. I know. It was crazy.) and started to strum his guitar. I couldn't help but smile as Ed scanned the arena, and he immediately looked comfortable, and unbelievably happy. There seem to be very few artists lately who appreciate the talent and fame they have. This reaction from a major singer/songwriter made happiness fully consume me.
Ed started his performance with a down to earth talk with us, saying that all he wanted from the night was for us all to enjoy ourselves and live in the moment. To put our phones down, not worry about dancing awkwardly, and just let the music take us over. As Ed began to sing his heartfully written set, following his request allowed me to have one of the most fun nights of my life.
I was there. Not just literally was I at the concert, but I was there. I danced, I sang, I forgot all my problems, and I smiled the entire time watching him on stage. Ed not only write's his songs, sings them, and plays guitar, but he also is up there all alone and uses a loop station. A loop station allows Ed to record, live, and build layers to his music. I have always been amazed by this.
Ed Sheeran, a man of many talents, who at the end of the day, is really just a guy, I thank you.
I thank you for sharing your abilities and performing with 110% of your energy. I thank you for being transparent with the world and not letting fame change you. And I thank you for being someone who can use words to completely change my day.
