I managed to nab tickets to an intimate Ed Sheeran concert in Dublin on Wednesday night and was not left disappointed.
The singer-songwriter is in Ireland for an incredible run of 10 concerts, which includes two ‘secret’ warm-up gigs in the 450-capacity Whelans and 1,500-capacity Vicar Street.
It was the latter I attended as the Shape Of You hitmaker rehearsed for his Mathematics Tour, which kicks off this weekend with two nights in Dublin’s Croke Park.
He then travels to Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork to perform on April 28 and 29, before heading to Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick on May 5 and 6. The Irish stint of the tour finishes in Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast on May 12 and 13.
Arriving in Vicar Street, there was an air of anticipation as everyone was aware of how fortunate they were to bag a ticket to a rare, intimate show.
Ed Sheeran last played the venue - which he described as “his favourite in Europe” in 2014 - and since then has gone on to headline stadiums across the world.
The atmosphere was electric as he took to the stage at precisely 8pm and played for over two hours. As he made his way through hit after hit, I soon realised this would be a one-man show and his band would not be joining him.
Armed with just a guitar and keyboard, he used a loop pedal to create an array of sounds and I was absolutely astonished at his talent.
“I’m going to be doing a lot of that” he joked, and he wasn’t wrong.
The concert was casual and intimate with the singer taking time between songs to openly discuss his early struggles in his career, as well as his Irish roots.
He recalled his “s**t but cute” busking in Galway as a kid where he was delighted to have earned €250.
One of the highlights of the night was a cover of Westlife’s Flying Without Wings, which if he chooses to play in his upcoming stadiums will be a massive moment.
Overall it was a highly enjoyable gig and anyone lucky enough to be heading to see him in Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Belfast over the coming weeks is in for a treat.
When he was that good in an intimate venue - without a band and any fuss - I can only imagine how incredible a stadium show with all the works will be!
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