The excitement in Perth is palpable as tens of thousands of devoted fans, known as Ed Heads, have descended upon Optus Stadium for Ed Sheeran's sold-out Loop tour performance. With the show just hours away, the atmosphere is electric, marking a triumphant return for the global superstar after a three-year absence from the city.
A Historic Homecoming for Sheeran and Perth
This Perth concert follows Sheeran's recent tour kickoff in New Zealand, where he performed in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch earlier this month. His connection with Perth runs deep, as highlighted by Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna. "Ed shares a special connection with Australia and Perth, with a history that's particularly meaningful for Optus Stadium," McKenna stated.
He elaborated on the significance, noting that Sheeran's two March 2018 performances were the very first concerts ever held at Optus Stadium and marked his debut stadium show. Those initial events sold out and set records. Furthermore, his performance on March 12, 2023—the final stop of the Australian leg of his previous tour—drew a massive crowd of 73,092, setting a record for the biggest ticketed event in Western Australia's history.
Dedicated Fans Create Unforgettable Memories
The dedication of Sheeran's fanbase was on full display. Jorja Draper and Alexis Triplett went to multiple stores to find red wigs to dress up like their idol. "We've been waiting here since 3.30pm," Ms. Draper shared. "Alexis and I, we're so excited, it's just a once in a lifetime dream that we get to see him. This is our first time seeing him."
Jazmin Charles took her fandom a step further by printing her own custom Ed Sheeran shirt for the event. She attended with her best friends Billie Jones and Stephanie Cullen, who collectively expressed, "Best friends and live music is a core memory unlocked. We came for Ed but stayed for each other."
Merchandise Frenzy and Stadium Anticipation
At the merchandise tent, which had been open since 11.30am, Campbell Darr reported non-stop lines. "All the fans have been lovely," he said. "Everyone has been loving the merch. There's been some very dedicated fans and we've had some people buy one of everything in the range."
Mike McKenna added that Sheeran's Loop tour shows are poised to be among the most anticipated live events of the year, underscoring the singer's enduring popularity and the stadium's role in hosting landmark performances.
Sheeran's Recent Journey and Tour Schedule
During his time away from Australia, Sheeran announced his eighth studio album, Play, in February last year, with the track Azizam being the first preview for fans before the album's release in September. He embarked on his Loop tour three months later.
In a personal update, Sheeran showcased his transformed physique in December after losing 14kg, gracing the cover of Men's Health UK. He attributed his weight loss to cutting back on alcohol, aiming "to be a responsible dad" to his daughters, Lyra, 5, and Jupiter, 3, whom he shares with wife Cherry Seaborn, and to "feel and look good." His influence was further recognized when Time magazine listed him as one of the world's 100 most influential people last year.
Following his Perth performances on Saturday and Sunday night, Sheeran's Australian tour continues. He heads to Sydney for the first of three shows next Friday, followed by concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide on March 5, promising more unforgettable nights for fans across the country.
