Ed Sheeran doesn’t look like a pop star. The British singer-songwriter, with his unruly red hair, glasses, scraggly beard and mishmash of tattoos, probably wouldn’t fit into a boy band or a fashion spread. But he’s become a huge international star nonetheless, thanks to his undeniable songwriting talents, his powerful voice and his affable personality, which has won over celebrities from Taylor Swift to Jamie Foxx. It was Foxx who gave Sheeran his first break in the U.S., giving him free studio time, and Swift who helped Sheeran score one of his first U.S. hit singles when he collaborated with her on “Everything Has Changed.”
These days, Sheeran doesn’t need any help. His third album, ÷ (or Divide, continuing his trend of naming his albums after mathematical symbols), debuted at the top of the charts in 14 countries, including the U.S., and the singles “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” have been top 10 Billboard hits. Live, Sheeran is a sort of one-man band, performing his hits with just an acoustic guitar and some effects gear that he operates himself. He may look unassuming, but he has a lot going on under the surface.
T-Mobile Arena, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4, sold out. 888.929.7849
