To watch singer-songwriter-guitarist Ed Sheeran perform literally solo at the MOA Concert Grounds last Sunday was a sight to behold. I can’t recall ever seeing a show as big as that with no one on stage save for the artist himself. It was a telling testament to the charm and command of individuality.
There he was, a guy with barely a guitar and his voice, allowing a sea of musically included people hang on to his every note. It was too brave an act, odd in a way, yet convincing for the sheer consistency of the performance and the high-caliber compositions that carry it.
“Everything you hear tonight is completely live,” ensured the 27-year-old phenom from England who last year was declared the most streamed artist on Spotify with 6.3 billion streams.
Of course, Sheeran’s stage presence was illuminated by larger-than-life graphics and highly amplified acoustic sound. But such digital technology perks were tapped primarily to satisfy the craving of a large open-air audience filled with gadget-savvy youth and techie adults. His heartfelt voice and crafty playing were evidently the brute strength of the concert that made it stunning and worth-the-experience.
Filipino artists, especially the aspiring ones, can learn a thing or two witnessing Sheeran perform live. You can’t go wrong believing in a guy who embraces challenge. He did not employ another musician on stage to lessen his tasks and he took the essence of being a solo act to the cliff without appearing shaken one bit. For that alone he got everyone’s respect.
For someone who chose to occupy the stage all by himself, you’d think he’s one about “I, me, mine.” But no, he made the packed audience loosen up and feel special being there. “The Philippines is a country that has so much passion for music,” he pointed out, “especially music from overseas. I’m really grateful to be here.”
At the get-go he expressed appreciation, “I’m so excited to be back in the Philippines. Thank you so much for being patient.” He was referring to the cycling injury that moved his show from November last year to summer this year—a rescheduling that proved perfect.
Sheeran is a superb talent no question, having created and recorded classy love songs sung in almost free verse poetry that speaks directly without being too dramatic. His singing stands by itself, with a sincerity that a mere handsome voice lacks. Yet he never assumed. When he asked everyone to sing, he said, “It doesnt matter if it’s not in tune or the words are wrong. You just have to sing it loud.”
Truth is, the people knew the right words. You don’t need to be a millennial to absorb tracks like “Perfect,” “The A Team,” “Happier,” and “Dive.” Before singing his signature hit, “Thinking Out Loud,” which won the Grammy Song of the Year in 2016, he asked, “How is your voice feeling?” He talks to the crowd as if it’s just one person in front of him, trying to converse in a personal, comforting way.
Pop history is usually handed with a special act capturing a generation beyond what a flash-in-the-pan can. For this decade, safe to say it’s Ed Sheeran. For all the complexities and advanced technology of the times, it needed a geek guy unplugged and singing beautifully raw to solidify its sentiments.
(Ed Sheeran Live In Manila is presented by Smart Music Live. Follow #SmartMusicLive on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for free concert tickets and freebies.)