÷ Live
For the record, I wish I was still currently listening to Ed Sheeran live.
When Ed Sheeran burst onto the American music scene in 2011, I fell in love with his lyrics, his voice, his guitar, and his hair. In that order. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of seeing him live four times, including most recently on September 29, 2017 at the Barclays Center for his ÷ (yes, that’s pronounced “Divide”) Tour.
The first time I listened to ÷, I was impressed with the lyrics of many of his songs. After listening to him live, I’m always impressed with the raw emotion that can’t help but shine through in live performances, but is packed and hidden behind the calculated phrases in the studio version.
Ed Sheeran is a unique performer in that he doesn’t play with a band. Instead, he performs as a one-man show with his guitar, voice, and a loop pedal (if you have never seen how this is done, PLEASE watch at least the beginning of this video). While others play their most danceable songs, Ed is not afraid to play those that will be tear jerkers. As Ed reconstructs each of his songs from scratch, each layer tugs on your heartstrings.
For example, “Happier” (link to studio version, video below is live) brought me to tears the other night, but listening to the above link will probably only make you frown. So, here’s the best live version of this song I could find (recording from performance on March 23, 2017 in Cologne, Germany), but nothing beats being there in person.
Bonus: Ed didn’t play “Supermarket Flowers” (link to studio version, video below is live) at the Barclays Center, but he has in the past, so if you really want a tearjerker, here you go.
If sadness isn’t your thing, check out this live version of “Perfect” (link to studio version, video below is live), which will just make your heart so full of love, it’ll burst. This June 29, 2017 performance was in Kansas City, Montana and, if you doubted my heart bursting sentiment, at least one couple gets engaged during this song (“Say yes!” at one minute and forty six seconds).
Ed’s concerts are an emotional roller coaster, and there’s nothing quite like seeing them with people whom you have shared your own feelings with. I’ve been lucky enough to see Ed with my boyfriend, sister, or good friends each time I have seen him live, and there’s a beautiful connection I feel with them in those moments. Ed’s lyrics reflect our own struggles and joys, shared experiences that we have cried and laughed about together, in a safe environment where we don’t have to even re-express our own thoughts. It’s all there, in the shining lights and strained vocals of the performance and the hand holding, singing, and swaying of the listeners.
The Junction Journal 