Ed Sheeran hinted at fresh tunes during a hush-hush gig.
The 35-year-old singer-songwriter paused his Loop Tour across the United States to perform a intimate show in Yellow Springs, Ohio earlier this week, where he premiered unreleased tracks for fans.
Reports from The Sun’s Bizarre column stated that phones were not allowed during the roughly two-and-a-half-hour set to stop the songs from surfacing online prematurely.
He issued his most recent album, Play, the year before.
Meanwhile, in September, Sheeran broke into tears on stage and apologized profusely as he tackled the controversy surrounding his stance on Palestine that culminated in Macklemore being dropped from the trek.
The Shape of You creator faced backlash after his opening act was dropped from the Loop shows following his public support for Palestinians, and at his first appearance since the incident, he opened with a spoken address.
He began by saying, “This isn’t how I typically begin a concert, but before I perform any songs tonight, I hope it’s alright if I say a few things.”
“I’m used to criticism of my music… but this week the focus has been on something far more significant… I’m making mistakes and I am truly sorry.”
“I don’t wish to upset fans, and I’ve never aimed to be an activist artist, yet this has thrust me into a vital, empathetic debate about free expression and one of the most intricate political matters in the world.”
But it’s a humanitarian matter, and I can no longer conceal my feelings about it.
What occurred in Israel, and at the Nova festival on October 7, was horrific and added to centuries of Jewish suffering.
The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart is broken by the scale of the destruction and the civilian casualties, including children.
This systemic injustice, seen in the unfolding events in the West Bank, cannot be ignored.
With a rollercoaster motion of his hand, Ed described the past week as “like this”.
He added, “I’ve had a week of learning.”
The singer had previously stressed that he did not make the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour, and in his remarks he seemed to place the blame on affluent venue owners.
He stated, “I’m deeply concerned about the idea that venues pre-approve content… It should never happen in a free world.”
He grew tearful again as he said: “I am already talking to people across the spectrum to figure out how to contribute to those affected.”
