What do you get when you have a global chart-topping singer and a crowd that turns concerts into karaoke-like parties? A perfect equation for a sing-along concert! Ed Sheeran's return to the Philippines brought all kinds of feels from fans in and around Manila. The British singer-songwriter took the stage at the SMDC Festival Grounds last Saturday night (March 9, 2024) for his highly anticipated The Mathematics Tour, presented by Ovation Productions.
The 50,000 strong crowd was there to roar their approval and give him back all the love he made us feel in his romantic songs. It was the “Perfect” weekend weather that night—at one point I got “Shivers” as the cool wind blew through the venue. I took every video and “Photograph” I could to commemorate the epic night. Here are some of the highlights!
7 Best Moments From Ed Sheeran's The Mathematics Tour
1. Calum Scott + Ben&Ben = The A Team of opening acts
This tour also marks the comeback of Ed Sheeran’s fellow Brit singer, Calum Scott. The “You Are The Reason” singer previously held a leg of his tour in Manila in 2022. This time, he serenaded the crowd with his swoon-worthy hits like “Biblical” and “Dancing on My Own” to welcome the crowd into the show.
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After a short break came a set by one of the biggest OPM acts in the country. Ben&Ben frontmen revealed it’s a dream come true for them to be one of the warm-up artists for Ed Sheeran’s show. The indie folk-pop band captured hearts with their beautiful strings and percussions. They played songs like “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay”, “Kathang Isip”, “Araw-Araw”, and “Pagtingin.”
"Grabe, we still can’t believe it. Para kaming nasa panaginip. We’re so grateful. We’re extremely happy. Sobrang kinikilig pa rin kami hanggang ngayon," they said on Instagram.
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2. Multiplying the hype with a revolving stage and pyrotechnics
A countdown ensued before Ed Sheeran took the stage, and anticipation was high as it reached the 10-second mark. The excitement exploded as he opened the show with bangers like “Tides” and Blow”—the latter being coupled with pyrotechnics. As he moved on to “I’m a Mess”, we got to fully appreciate his round stage that spins (!), giving the audience glimpses of him from all sides throughout the show. (Sidebar: I wonder if he doesn’t get dizzy and what his fitness routine is like to survive all that, on top of Manila’s heat!)
3. Ed’s vocals, minus the pre-recorded audio effects
For those seeing him live for the first time, Sheeran explained his use of a loop pedal to create complex and layered sounds. His mastery of the device is so impressive and allows him to deliver powerful, unique performances in every show. Fans were treated to a mix of electrifying hits like "Shivers" and “Castle on the Hill”, plus some of his memorable collaborations like “Love Yourself”.
The night wasn't just about the music though. Sheeran charmed the Filipino audience with his stories. In a particularly touching moment, Sheeran introduced his breakout single "The A Team" by sharing how he used to perform it in empty pubs before it became a massive hit. He also recalled the "crazy fun gig" that was his 2015 Manila concert, declaring the Filipino crowd to be the loudest of his entire tour that year.
4. Dividing the crowd into two for amazing harmonies
The real magic happened when Sheeran gave new meaning to crowd interaction. A true showman, he split the audience in half for a sing-off during “Give Me Love”! He taught them to sing in different keys and harmonize. Of course, the Manila crowd ate and left no crumbs.
5. A performance of his hit songs = instant sing-along session
Sheeran knew how much Filos love his most famous songs and memorized them like anthems. He enjoyed hearing the crowd singing along with him. At one point, he introduced the next song with a joke, “If you don't know the words to this song, you’re at the wrong concert." Lo and behold, the crowd knew every lyric by heart: it was "Thinking Out Loud". Other karaoke faves as the night went on were “Photograph” and “Perfect”.
6. Ed + Ben&Ben frontmen = Magical night!
Near the end of his set, he brought back Ben&Ben's Miguel and Paolo Benjamin for a moving rendition of the band’s hit "Maybe The Night." It was definitely a full-circle moment for the talented twins.
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7. Adding anticipation for his next Manila concert
The last three pieces that completed The Mathematics Tour’s puzzle were the lively beats of “Shape of You", "Bad Habits", and "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" (with more fireworks!) As the night ended, the crowd looked like they were in a trance before dispersing, proving that the love affair between Ed Sheeran and the Philippines is undeniable.
From his heartfelt appreciation for the fans who braved Manila traffic to his promise to return sooner than seven years this time, the night was filled with Pinoy love. With a stunning 360° stage production, a mix of fan favorites and new tracks, and Sheeran's signature one-man-band mastery, this concert was a night to remember.
