Bearing only his guitar and a looper pedal, Ed Sheeran once again showed fans why he’s one of this generation’s most talented artists!
Last April 8, Ed Sheeran performed some of his biggest hits in the Philippine leg of his Divide Tour.
The much-awaited concert was held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds to a large crowd of Filipino fans. It was initially scheduled on November 7, 2017, but was later moved to April due to the injuries Sheeran sustained in a cycling accident last year. Despite this setback, fans didn’t seem to mind the deferred date of his performance. In fact, concertgoers sang, danced, and marveled at the music stylings of the British singer-songwriter.
Here are three ways Ed Sheeran made the concert simply perfect for his fans:
Music artistry at its best
In an episode of James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, Ed Sheeran admits that he feels more comfortable with a guitar close at hand. So, it’s not surprising that Sheeran brought his Divide guitar with him during his second concert in Manila. And much like his first concert here 3 years ago, he also performed with a looper pedal.
Typically, most singers would find it difficult to perform without a band backing them up during their live gigs. But Sheeran holds his own by recording his instrument and his vocals first and then, using the looper pedal to repeat certain tunes in the tracks of his setlist.
During his performance of Tenerife Sea, for instance, he first recorded himself playing the harmonica and then played out the recording as he belted the lines, “Lumiere, darling. Lumiere over me.” He also recorded himself tapping a beat on his guitar, which he looped in the song, Galway Girl.
Through this, Ed Sheeran showcases his music artistry inside and outside of the recording studio.
A medley of ‘Divide’ and his previous albums
Although this was called the ‘Divide Tour,’ Ed Sheeran incorporated a number of songs from his previous albums into the setlist.
He performed Don’t, Bloodstream, I’m a Mess, Tenerife Sea, Photograph, Thinking Out Loud, and Sing from his Multiply album.
Ed Sheeran brings us back to his Multiply album once again with "Thinking Out Loud" ❤ #DivideTourMNL pic.twitter.com/IsoyUKy4Xv
— POP! (@InqPOP) April 8, 2018
He also sang A-team from his Plus album, I See Fire from The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug OST, and a cover of the 1965 classic, I’m Feeling Good.
While in the Divide album, Sheeran sang Castle on the Hill, Eraser, New Man, Dive, Happier, Perfect, and Nancy Mulligan.
Ed Sheeran sings our favorite, "Perfect" ❤👏 #DivideTourMNL pic.twitter.com/reztoCmvrJ
— POP! (@InqPOP) April 8, 2018
Towards the end of the night, as fans clamored for more music, Sheeran returned to the stage with an adrenaline-filled performance of Shape of You and You Need Me, I Don’t Need You.
Ed Sheeran returns to the stage for an encore performance of "Shape of You" 🎶👏 #DivideTourMNL pic.twitter.com/cABg192Kns
— POP! (@InqPOP) April 8, 2018
It was a musical journey for fans who’ve enjoyed Ed Sheeran’s music through the years!
A tribute to Filipino fans
Throughout his concert, Ed Sheeran spoke candidly about his thoughts on the Philippines and his Filipino fans. Here’s what he had to say about being back in Manila for the second time:
"I always feel so welcome and loved here. So thank you for having me," says Ed Sheeran on being back in the Philippines.
We love having you back too, Ed! ❤
— POP! (@InqPOP) April 8, 2018
Moreover, he admits he’s very thankful to the fans here as they played a big part in the success of his latest album.
“This album, Divide, has gone 8 times platinum in the Philippines. What surprised me most [and] what I love about that is that in my own home country, I’d gone 8 times platinum — which means you have an equal amount of love for me as the actual country I come from,” Sheeran shares to concertgoers.
And his gratitude shined through in each of his performances. After every track finished, Sheeran would say “thank you” to the crowd for their enthusiasm and participation in his performance.
This concert was definitely Ed Sheeran’s way of showing his fans in the Philippines his sincere and utmost appreciation for them. And we can’t wait to see him come back to our country for another stellar concert!
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