Only three albums and yet he is selling out stadiums everywhere: Brit Ed Sheeran (26) has made the leap from pub musician to global star. And remains on the ground.
You recently broke your arm, wrist and a rib in a cycling accident. How are you feeling now?
Ed Sheeran: Good. I was allowed to take the splint off the other day and it still hurts a bit. But I've already been able to resume my tour and am playing concerts in Asia.
"I like stadium concerts more than indoor concerts."
Next year you'll be playing twice at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich. Isn't that too big?
No, I honestly like stadium concerts more than indoor concerts. It's the same show, but there are more people in the audience. And the crowd is more euphoric and epic. I like that.
What connects you to Switzerland?
I met the band Snow Patrol at Energy Stars For Free in 2011. They are now great friends of mine. Among other things, I wrote "Shape Of You" with them.
Last year, you wrote a Christmas song for the British "X-Factor" winner Matt Terry. Have you ever thought about releasing a Christmas album yourself?
No, I don't really like the idea. But I think it's very cool that I was able to record a Christmas clip for the single "Perfect". It's very romantic, with lots of snow, skiing and a chalet feeling.
What have you learned from touring?
That I don't like being alone.
But you're also alone on stage ...
That's right. That's just me. I couldn't imagine performing with a band. And I'm not going to change that. Although I do like to be accompanied by a band on TV shows.
The tour runs until November 2018. What happens after that?
I'm even thinking about extending the tour. I like being on tour and also spending time in the studio. It's great to travel the world like this, so I always try to see something of the city I'm in.
"My friends and family make sure I don't take off."
You make a very grounded impression.
You can only do that if you have the right people around you. My friends and family make sure that I don't take off.
What are your next goals?
It would be nice if everything stayed the way it is. I think it's wonderful.
ED SHEERAN
Sat August 4, 2018, Letzigrund Stadium Zurich
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