Following the hedonistic, technicolor pop of “Azizam” and the classic, heartfelt nostalgia of “Old Phone”, Sheeran returns with “Sapphire”—a dazzling anthem of connection and unbridled joy. Radiating with vibrant pop energy and rich cross-cultural influences, the track is poised to make its mark on summer ‘25.
Sheeran’s “Sapphire” is a luminous celebration of love that transcends boundaries. Featuring captivating vocals, intricate South-Asian percussion, backing vocals and sitar by legendary Indian artist Arijit Singh, the song creates a unique tapestry that speaks to the universal language of love. Fans are taken on a sonic journey both intimate and expansive, brought to life by the production talents of Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha.
Ed Sheeran says “Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It’s why I finished the recording process in Goa surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an incredible 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 such an amazing day of music and family. Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, which has a lot more of him on it. This is the album version of the song, and my favourite song on the album. Hope you guys love it. x“
The video for “Sapphire” has been 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 up with Arijit for a studio session and motorcycle ride around his hometown, plus a visit to the A.R. Rahman music school, where he performs with local musicians.
Ed Sheeran releases his new album ‘Play’ on 12th September 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 both 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; whilst 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 being a lifelong supporter of the club, and the official shirt sponsor since 2021. The three night stint will mark Ed’s first UK headline shows since 2023, and will include debut performances of tracks from ‘Play’ alongside fan favourites. £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 that is such a vital part of the music ecosystem – from venues and artists to festivals and promoters.
