Ed Sheeran is set to release his new single, “Sapphire,” on June 5th, 2025. Following the technicolor pop of “Azizam” and the heartfelt nostalgia of “Old Phone,” “Sapphire” is a vibrant pop anthem of connection and joy. The track, infused with vibrant pop energy and rich cross-cultural influences, celebrates love and transcends boundaries. The song features captivating vocals, intricate South-Asian percussion, and backing vocals by Arijit Singh. Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha bring the production to life.
Ed Sheeran says, “Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play, and it made me know where the album was heading. That’s why I ended the recording process in Goa, surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an incredibly creative process. I shot the music video with Liam and Nic across my India tour earlier this year; we wanted to showcase the beauty and breadth of the country and its culture. The final jigsaw piece for me was getting Arijit on the record. It was a journey to get there and a fantastic day of music and family. He and I have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, with a lot more of him on it. This is the album version and my favorite song on the album. I hope you guys love it. x ”
The “Sapphire” video, directed by Liam Pethick, features Arijit Singh and a cameo from iconic actor Shah Rukh Khan. It begins with Ed performing the song at dawn on a rooftop, then transitions to a vibrant journey across various locations. Ed’s travels take him from the rooftop to serene beaches, riversides, bustling markets, local kitchens, and Bollywood backlots. Highlights include meeting with Arijit for a studio session, a motorcycle ride around his hometown, and a visit to the A.R. Rahman music school, where he performs with local musicians.
Ed Sheeran releases his new album, Play, on September 12th, 2025. (Pre-order here) After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, ‘Play’ finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge. On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels exciting and transformative and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.
Ed Sheeran has also announced three live shows at Portman Road, Ipswich, which sold out immediately. These kick off on Friday, July 11th, featuring special guests Myles Smith and Tori Kelly; on July 12th, the spotlight shifts to Busted and Dylan; on July 13th, it will be James Blunt and Maisie Peters. These are set to take place at Ipswich Town FC’s iconic home ground – Ed is a lifelong club supporter and the official shirt sponsor since 2021. The three-night stint will mark Ed’s first UK headline shows since 2023, including debut performances of tracks from ‘Play’ alongside fan favorites. £1 from every ticket sold on these shows has been donated to the newly launched Live Trust, a new funding initiative from LIVE that will offer much-needed financial support to those working across live music. The Live Trust will initially support the grassroots music sector, which is vital to the music ecosystem, from venues and artists to festivals and promoters.
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