Ed Sheeran's Perth Return: Why His Optus Stadium Record Likely Stands
English pop sensation Ed Sheeran is making a highly anticipated return to Perth this weekend, marking his first performances at Optus Stadium in three years. However, despite the excitement surrounding his comeback, his tour company does not anticipate the star breaking his own impressive attendance record set during his previous visit.
Record-Breaking History and Current Projections
Sheeran secured the state's ticketed event record on March 12, 2023, when a massive crowd of 73,092 fans poured through the gates of Optus Stadium for his sole Perth performance that year. This monumental event set a new benchmark for live music in Western Australia.
For his upcoming shows, the Shape of You singer will kick off the Australian leg of his Loop Tour in Perth on Saturday. Frontier Touring, the promoter behind the tour, projects that each of his Saturday and Sunday night performances will attract crowds exceeding 55,000 people. This would bring the total weekend attendance to approximately 110,000 fans.
In comparison, legendary rock band AC/DC drew a combined total of around 97,000 attendees across their two Perth concerts in December of last year. This context highlights the significant draw that Sheeran continues to command in the local market.
Stage Configuration Evolution Impacts Capacity
Industry sources indicate that Sheeran's decision to host two consecutive shows, rather than a single mega-performance like in March 2023, does not reflect diminished interest in the artist. Instead, it stems from an evolution in his stage configuration and touring strategy.
Sheeran's historic 2023 performance at Optus Stadium, which served as the final Australian stop on his Mathematics Tour, featured an innovative in-the-round stage design. This setup provided fans with a complete 360-degree view of the performer, enhancing the immersive concert experience.
Critically, that show represented the only opportunity for Perth audiences to see Sheeran perform during that particular tour cycle. The centralised stage configuration allowed for increased overall attendance, as the general admission floor area was expanded to accommodate more patrons.
For his current Loop Tour, Sheeran is expected to revert to a more conventional, front-facing stage setup, similar to what was utilised during his recent New Zealand concerts. This change naturally affects the total number of attendees that can be accommodated within the stadium.
Perth's Concert Landscape and Sheeran's Legacy
Sheeran faces stiff competition in the local attendance records. Coldplay's Music of the Spheres performances in November 2023 drew crowds of 65,562 and 66,458 on consecutive nights, showcasing the vibrant concert scene in Perth.
Beyond holding the record for the most fans at a single ticketed gig in Western Australia, the 34-year-old artist also holds the distinction of hosting the very first concert at Optus Stadium. In March 2018, he performed for more than 58,000 people, officially opening the venue for live music events.
Tour Details and Supporting Acts
Unlike other major touring acts such as AC/DC or Metallica, who performed in Perth on November 1 last year, Sheeran will not be operating a pop-up merchandise store for fans. However, official tour paraphernalia will be available for purchase within the Optus Stadium precinct on both performance days.
The concerts will showcase material from Sheeran's eighth studio album, Play, which was released in September 2025. Australian audiences will be treated to live performances of singles including Azizam, A Little More, and Old Phone for the first time.
Local support for the Perth shows will be provided by acclaimed Australian artists Vance Joy and Mia Wray, alongside the Irish all-female group BIIRD, offering a diverse and talented lineup for concertgoers.
Australian Tour Itinerary
Following his busy weekend in Perth, Ed Sheeran will continue his extensive Australian tour with three shows each in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The tour will conclude with a final performance in Adelaide on March 5, bringing his Loop Tour to a close across the country.
As preparations continue at Optus Stadium, with early stage setup visible from aerial photographs taken on Wednesday morning, anticipation builds for what promises to be another memorable chapter in Sheeran's ongoing relationship with Perth audiences.
