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Ed Sheeran Has Announced He's Taking An 18-Month Break From Live Music

Ed Sheeran Has Announced He's Taking An 18-Month Break From Live Music

The pop singer says he wants to spend more time with his family

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Ed Sheeran has announced that he is taking an 18-month break from playing live concerts.

The 28-year-old made the shock announcement during the final gig of his Divide tour, in his home town of Ipswich.

While on stage at Chantry Park on Monday night, the 'Shape of You' singer gave an emotional farewell, telling fans he wants to spend more time with new wife Cherry Seaborn.

He said: "As you may or not know, I've been on the Divide tour for over two years now and this is the last day of the whole thing.

"There is something very bittersweet about it. I love that you guys are here and we are ending it in Ipswich. This is my last gig for probably 18 months.

"We've played all around the world. Glastonbury, Wembley Stadium. All these amazing venues, America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South America - it's been a wild one."

The 28-year-old told fans he was taking a break from playing live.
PA

He continued: "I was told before I came on that now at the end of this tour I've played to nine million people around the world. It is the biggest tour ever.

"It's been an emotional day for a lot of people backstage. It kind of feels like, in a weird way, that you're breaking up with a girlfriend that you've been with for years.

"It sounds odd but it has been a long tour."

Sheeran also used the moment to announce that it would also be his final solo concert, accompanied by just a loop pedal, and that when he does return to the stage, it will be with a band.

Trying his best not to cry, the songwriter took off his Ipswich Town football shirt and changed into one from his hometown club.

"This is a Framlingham Town football shirt. I am from Framlingham. Suffolk is my home. I am so happy to be ending this mammoth tour here," he went on.

The singer wants to spend more time with his family.
PA

"I want to say thank you to everyone on this tour. Thank you to everyone who has given me a chance. This is my last song. I wrote this when I was 15 years old. See you in a few years. Thank you."

He closed the show with a rendition of 'You Need Me, I Don't Need You'.

This isn't the first time the singer has spoken out about a need to take time away from music to focus more on his family.

Speaking back in June, the 'A-Team' singer told fans he plans to get off the road.

He said: "I'm starting a life with Cherry. I can't spend the next 20 years on the road. Kids would be the different thing. I wouldn't mind sacrificing for them.

"If someone told me you can't tour again for the next ten years if you have kids, that is fine, because that is what I have signed up for."

He added: "I've already achieved more than I thought I would, so now I'm just trying to have fun."

So long, Ed.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, Music, Interesting, UK Entertainment, Ed Sheeran