British singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran, has thrilled hundreds of fans with a surprise outdoor gig in Sheffield.
The Halifax-born pop star appeared alongside TikTok sensation DJ AG in support of TRACKS – a group that helps young people break into the music industry.
It comes after the ‘Shape of You’ star announced in February that his foundation would award the group three years of funding.
Youngsters performing alongside the seasoned artists said it “meant the world” and hoped it would help launch their careers.
London-based AG is known to draw big names for his impromptu performances, which he announces at short notice on his social media channels.
He said giving young talent a platform was “extremely important” to allow them “to shine”.
“It’s not about me, I’m just a facilitator showcasing talent, trying to help, do my part, giving it everything and hopefully everyone had a good time.”
Ed Sheeran
The event also saw TRACKS release their new single called ‘Spotlight’, from seven of their students.
TRACKS performers Max, 16, and Jayden, 13, said joining Ed Sheeran and AG made them feel like part of the music community. “It was insane, words cannot describe how good it was, it was just mad,” Max said.
“You get nervous at the start when you are with big people like this, but it actually feels quite good to be doing this. I was so excited. I’ve never met him in person before, and he’s one of the nicest persons I’ve ever met, and I mean that from the deepest point of my heart.”
Jayden
TRACKS, a collaboration between Sheffield Music School and Sheffield Music Hub, was awarded funding from the Ed Sheeran Foundation earlier this year.
The group’s music facilitator Louis Barclay said the money would help fund a youth club and more alternative provision for young people in the area.
“It started with Ed visiting TRACKS and seeing what we do. I think he just felt the ethos of what we do and saw it was something he wanted to support.”
Louis Barclay
Onlooker Kim Simpson, who has been following Ed Sheeran’s career since his early busking days, said she hoped the gig would give the north “a little bit more of a name” and get young people involved in the city’s music scene.
“What he is doing, getting young rappers out performing, supporting them to bring on a new generation of musicians – it’s perfect to come and watch.”
Kim Simpson
Ed Sheeran Shares Details About Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco’s Wedding
Ed Sheeran recently spilled the tea about Selena Gomez’s upcoming wedding with Benny Blanco.
The ‘Photograph’ crooner opened up that both stars have “sent out save the dates” to guests.
Ed Sheeran shared that he had been invited to the couple’s wedding as he confirmed to be “RSVPed” to the event.
The ‘Perfect’ crooner opened up that he had no favourite song from Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s new album, ‘I Said I Love You First’, which was released in March.
“Not yet, no,” admitted the 34-year-old.
“I gotta be honest, I bought it on vinyl, and I wanna listen to it on vinyl. I haven’t listened to it the whole way through.”
Ed Sheeran
Earlier in March, Benny, Selena Gomez’s fiancé, spoke on Daniel Wall’s Behind The Wall podcast and talked about joining Ed Sheeran on tour for a week, but ended up staying for two years.
“It was Ed’s biggest album. It sold about 40 million copies. It was one of the biggest albums ever. We just made it on a tour bus, in the back of studios, in his house… We never worked in a real studio.”
Benny Blanco
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