BREAKING: Ed Sheeran has officially entered his “one-man band at a desert rave” era. The 34-year-old ginger guitar god strolled into Coachella 2025 like he got lost looking for an open mic night and just happened to land on the Mojave stage.
And yes — he brought literally no one. Just Ed. A guitar. And his trusty looper pedal, a.k.a. the musical sidekick that lets him pretend he’s an entire orchestra with Wi-Fi.
Last-Minute Like That Pizza You Ordered at 1AM
Here’s the tea: Ed wasn’t even supposed to be there. He was a very last-minute replacement for FKA Twigs, who had to pull out due to visa issues (translation: the government wasn’t ready for her next-level slay). Two weeks later, Coachella was like, “Siri, call Ed Sheeran.” And Ed was like, “Sure, I got snacks and a looper, let’s roll.”
Why Was He Performing Before Yo Gabba Gabba?!
Great question, Internet. People were very confused when Ed hit the stage before Yo Gabba Gabba — yes, the actual neon puppet dance crew. But listen, it’s not that Ed’s career is tanking. It’s just that time slots at Coachella are like airplane boarding groups. Sometimes, you’re Group 9 and just happy to be on the flight.
Weekend 2 Only? Because Ed’s Busy Being Ed
If you’re wondering why he only showed up for Weekend 2 and skipped the first one — well, probably because he only got the invite after Weekend 1 was already halfway over. Or maybe he just really didn’t want to see another flower crown again.
Just a Man, a Looper, and the Vibes
Ed went full acoustic wizard on the Mojave stage. No band, no backup dancers, no fireworks — just him casually stacking loops like a musical Jenga tower. He performed his tearjerker “Castle on the Hill,” and also debuted his new song “Azizam,” which sounds like a perfume commercial but is actually very sweet.
Ed Sheeran, the human Spotify playlist, casually hijacked Coachella and reminded us all that sometimes, one ginger and a looper is all you really need.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to see if Yo Gabba Gabba does encores.
Ed Sheeran performs ‘Castle on the Hill’ at #COACHELLA2025 pic.twitter.com/3g2tBDD4CB
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 19, 2025
Ed Sheeran performs his new song ‘Azizam’ at #Coachella 2025 pic.twitter.com/qn3NRCIHHV
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 19, 2025
