Ed Sheeran struggled to hold back his emotions during a recent performance of his new album 'Subtract'. The pop star took to the stage on Wednesday (May 10) for a special intimate show with Apple Music Live at the Eventim Apollo in London - and broke down as he admitted he's 'still not over' the death of close friend Jamal Edwards.
While chatting to the audience in between songs, he told of how he 'wanted the world to stop' when he found out the news of Jamal's passing, and dedicated two songs to him. Sharing his grief, he said: "I'm still not over it, I don't want to be."
While welling up with tears, he also warned audience members: "This will happen a lot in the gig," before grabbing a towel and wiping his eyes. You can watch the moment on the official Apple Music website.
Fans of the singer will know how very close he was to SBTV genius Jamal, having known each other for years. Jamal, son of Loose Woman's Brenda Edwards, sadly died at 31 from a heart attack after taking cocaine and drinking alcohol in February 2022, the Mirror reports.
The singer and song-writer performed tunes from his recently released his sixth studio album, and dedicated two to Jamal - Eyes Closed and Life Goes On. According to the Daily Mail, Ed told viewers: "The last time I was in this venue was with my friend Jamal, to see a comedy show, and I've not been here since.
"The first time I ever played this song, I cried when I introduced it, I cried at the start, I cried at the end and... I'm going to cry now." The 32-year-old later remarked: "S*** just happens... everyone goes through it".
Before performing his track, Life Goes On, he admitted: "I felt like when the Jamal passed away that I wanted the world to just stop, like it did when the Queen died." Ed then added how he "didn't feel ready" and still doesn't – and explained how "every one expects you to feel sad for a week or two" before moving on. "I'm still not over it, and I don't want to be," he said.
While speaking to Zane Lowe ahead of the intimate gig, the singer added how he felt that songs were his until he "put them out there". He explained that they then go on to belong to his fans who connect and relate to them.
