Ed Sheeran joins Scott Mills to discuss Play and space offer
Photo: BBC
Ed Sheeran joined Scott Mills on his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning to talk about his new album Play and more.
He also discussed Lewis Capaldi’s return to music, moving to America for his next tour, and the surprising revelation that he was once offered the chance to perform a gig in space.
During the conversation, Sheeran spoke warmly about his admiration for Coldplay’s Chris Martin, describing him as a role model.
He also revealed that he often turns to fellow songwriters such as James Blunt and Damien Rice for advice. Reflecting on criticism, Sheeran admitted he sometimes reads reviews out of curiosity, adding that he believes most artists do the same.
Asked about Lewis Capaldi’s return to the stage, Sheeran said: “I haven’t seen Lewis on tour, but we have been speaking a fair bit. I’m really happy for him, I really think that him taking time off was the best thing for him and his health. He has actually come back into it like reinvigorated and really loving it again, which I don’t think he was on his second record.”
Scott jokingly suggested that Sheeran has become a kind of “new Elton John” figure, offering guidance to younger artists and acting as a supportive presence in pop.
Sheeran also discussed bringing singer-songwriter Myles Smith on tour, describing him as “a lovely guy” and someone he values for advice as well.
One of the most unexpected revelations came when Sheeran explained that he had been approached about performing a concert in space.
He told Mills: “I was offered to go to space a while ago you know. It terrifies me. I want to go to space when it’s like flying to France and 40,000 people have done it and you can just book it online. I don’t want to be a guinea pig for that, because it still is dangerous.”
He added that there are many parts of the world he would rather explore first, including Greenland, and said: “I’m not going to risk my kids not having a dad for a Guinness World Record something or other.”
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