By: Nicholas Negron
Staff writer
When tickets for Ed Sheeran’s concert at Madison Square Garden became available, they sold out in three minutes. More shows were quickly added to fulfill the urge of fans. I went to see his concert on November 1st, his second night. The experience was one I would not trade for the world. Having seen Sheeran perform once before at Taylor Swift’s Red Tour over the summer, I knew he could deliver live.
The amazing songstress, Tori Kelly was the opening act of the night. The 20-year old guitar-soul singer performed a medley of covers and originals from her EP, Foreword. Covers included, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child and “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson. Her voice was chilling and authentic. She seemed to be a perfect choice to open up the night. Kelly had auditioned for American Idol in Season Nine but had not even made the Top 24. She was also recently featured on the Ellen Show. She is doing very well for herself, and was amazed to be playing at The Garden. I immediately bought her latest EP on iTunes as soon as I arrived home. Tori Kelly is on the list to vote on who Saint Rose will have for Rose Rock. I strongly encourage the student body to look into this talent.
Right before Sheeran came one stage the lights went dark. All that could be seen were phone lights, and glowing signs. All that could be heard was a piercing scream coming from the sold out arena. Ed walked up to the microphone with a guitar on his back. He began singing “Give Me Love”. The crowd sang along in perfect unison. Following this was many audience driven songs. Ed would repeat phrases, sounds, beats, and hums. The audience was at one point divided into higher and lower register voices. Of course, many fans settled on screaming the whole night.
Sheeran attempted to jokingly quiet the audience for a few songs. It was not a small task, but after the audience decided to stop screaming “I love you Ed” or “marry me” he went on. Ed covered the American folk song “Wayfaring Stranger”. He sang a song he wrote “Small Bump”. This song is about a baby in its mother’s womb that died before birth. He covered the Irish folk song “The Parting Glass”. For this part of the show the arena was quiet enough that he stepped away and sang with no microphone or music. Sheeran showcased his vocal ability and European heritage, while still paying homage to New York. He debuted a new song called “New York” and covered Jay Z and Alicia Key’s “Empire State of Mind”. This came after singing a song off his album, +, entitled “This City”, which is largely about London. He also went on to cover “Be My Husband” by Nina Simone, “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and briefly “Hold You” by Gyptian.
I do have to backtrack. Before the show started, small groups of people began screaming randomly in their seats waving their phones. I asked them what the commotion was about. Taylor Swift was confirmed to make a special appearance. Could this really be happening? It was verified when a second microphone stand was brought onto stage halfway through the show. The microphone stand caused a commotion. People knew what was coming up. I could not imagine that the crowd could become any louder. Of course, I was wrong. When Taylor walked out with her black hat with wavy blond hair, the sounds were the mixture of a war cry and happy school children. My own voice had become almost nonexistent at this point of the night from singing and yelling. This point of the show was responsible for the chain smoking voice I, with pride, spoke with for the next day. I had hoped to see Swift again but never did I think it would be so soon. The pair sang a song off of Taylor’s Red album, “Everything Has Changed”.
After this Taylor hugged her dear friend and left the stage. His last song was “A Team” and asked the crowd to sway any lights they might have. The arena was illuminated in the darkness. Sheeran went on to finish with what was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. The man has no backing band. He is a solo acoustic act from England who has sold 15 million records worldwide off of one album. Eighteen months ago Ed Sheeran headlined a show at the Mercury Lounge in New York with an audience of 200 people. His success has skyrocketed. Taylor Swift has opened doors for him. His talent and charisma has busted the doors down. He also wrote songs for One Direction, and is now featured on a new song with Lupe Fiasco entitled “Old School Love”.
After touring for two years, the three Madison Square Garden shows are the grand finale for the promotion of his debut album. He also stated to have been working on an album for the past two years. The expectations are high. Ed Sheeran is sure to deliver brilliant music while staying true to the artist he is.
