Gig Review: Ed Sheeran

 

You simply can't underestimate nor belittle the talent compressed into one venue when you are witness to one of the most profound and electrifying artists smashing the charts right now. That artist is Ed Sheeran. Last Sunday I camped out since 4am (dedication at its best) to see Ed at his second show in Birmingham (NEC). Ultimately the queuing is a bore, particularly when the doors are about to open and you're clustered within a group of people who are more than happy to push you out of the way just to get to the front first. Fear not, this was only the entrance to the venue, not the actual room. When it came to getting into the arena, security had us walk in a single line before we could disperse to whatever point in the line we desired most. Organised and systematic, the structure was well thought-out.

First act up was Jamie Lawson. Significantly serene, his voice had me lulled into wonder as he called out songs of his own and began to make a connection with the audience. Shortly followed by this was Saint Raymond-a spark in the bonfire. I had already heard of Raymond's work before the gig and just like many acoustic songs, his music has solid, steady beats and a rhythmic tune which is simply enjoyable to listen to. However at the concert Raymond completely smashed this and crashed out lucid tunes with erratic beats. Not only was Raymond's passion evident through his singing but also in his body language. There is nothing more enthralling than being able to see an artist stand up on stage, crunching their eyes in concentration and embracing their guitar whilst pumping their body to sound of their music playing out through the speakers. Adrenaline coursed through my veins and it was a good job, because Ed was next,

When Ed arose on stage, the arena instantly became one. Animated and enthralled Ed's mere presence caused hands to rise in unison as he cast a downwards stroke on his guitar and strummed his way to the song 'I'm A Mess'. One of the most effective things about an Ed concert that you need to know, and if you have never been to one of his concerts, something you ought to know, is that Ed doesn't just recite his songs but he transforms them, adding ad libs here and there and adding pulse to the beats much like a DJ does when he/she edits a song. This show was no different. You can really feel him put his heart and soul into the music, making every show unique. Even with slow songs such as 'Bloodstream' Ed had the chorus sounding more like a club classic than a soothing tune. With arms raised, ready for them to bounce over our heads, a sense of unity and love for the music had me feeling that the arena was bursting with life and just like family, we shared a bond, simply because of how profound an effect this one man had on us all.

It wasn't just the music that had me screaming until my voice gave way. Digital graphics, and moving images were projected onto a series of screens behind Ed as he sang. Some were more artsy and interesting than others whilst some graphics had instant links to the songs. For example, when 'I See Fire' was played, footage of the mighty Smaug from The Hobbit was presented. Being a geek and insane fan of Tolkein's work there was hardly a moment for me to be rendered silent as already the outcries and moans of joy took over.

At the end of it all, this was a prodigiously phenomenal experience that I definitely recommend any one going to see. Even if you only feel an ambivalence towards Ed or you think his music is fairly okay, there is no doubt in my mind that venturing out to a concert will leave you with a higher appreciation for this singer who once struggled for audience appeal but is now selling out arenas across the world-a house-hold name with the potential to go beyond our expectations and more.