Ed Sheeran has always had a special connection with New York City, and he made that abundantly clear during his recent stop at MetLife Stadium. The Suffolk-born singer, who has called the Big Apple home for years, treated the New Jersey crowd to a rare live performance of his song "New York" — a track he's only played publicly a handful of times before. According to setlist.fm, this was just the sixth time the song has ever been performed live.
Before launching into the tune, Sheeran shared what the city means to him, describing it as the place where he fell in love with urban life. He spoke about the simple joys of walking down the street or grabbing a coffee without being mobbed, and he recalled his very first gig at the intimate Mercury Lounge. For Sheeran, New York isn't just a stop on a tour — it's home.
The feeling is clearly mutual. MetLife Stadium's single-concert attendance record belongs to Sheeran, who drew an astonishing 89,106 fans to his June 2023 show there. That kind of devotion speaks to a bond between artist and city that goes beyond music.
A Night of Hits and Deep Cuts
The Loop Tour show was a masterclass in stagecraft, with Sheeran performing across multiple platforms throughout the night. He kicked things off from the middle of the crowd on the floor with "You Need Me, I Don't Need You," before moving to the main stage for a run of crowd-pleasers like "Shivers," "Castle on the Hill," and "The A Team."
Later, he shifted to the B stage for a more stripped-back set, where he delivered the emotional "Eyes Closed," a song written about the loss of his best friend. The intimate section also included fan-requested tracks — "New York," "Little Bird," and "Even My Dad Does Sometimes" — chosen via text votes before the show.
Celtic Vibes and a Surprise Guest
Irish folk band Beoga joined Sheeran on stage for a lively rendition of "Galway Girl" and "Nancy Mulligan," both of which originally featured the group on his 2017 album Divide. The Celtic spirit was everywhere, from the green, orange, and white lights to the fireworks that lit up the stadium.
As expected, the massive crowd erupted for hits like "Photograph," "Thinking Out Loud," and "Perfect." But the night's biggest roar came when Sheeran welcomed a special guest: Brendan B. Brown of Wheatus. Together, with Beoga backing them, they delivered a raucous version of the 2001 pop-punk anthem "Teenage Dirtbag." It was a nostalgic moment for millennials and a fun introduction for younger fans to a classic era of rock.
Sheeran's Loop Tour continues to roll on, with fans eagerly awaiting what other surprises he has in store. For those who missed this MetLife show, the memories — and that rare "New York" performance — will surely be talked about for years to come.
