Singer Ed Sheeran had a memorable time during his multi-city tour in India. From enjoying auto rides to jamming with music legends like A.R. Rahman and Arijit Singh, Ed made the most of his journey. These special moments have now influenced his upcoming album Play, where he even sings in Punjabi. To express his deep love for Indian culture, Ed got a tattoo written in Punjabi, marking a personal connection with the country.
Teaser Features Punjabi Lyrics
On Friday, Ed shared a teaser of his new album on Instagram. In the video, he sings, “cham cham chamke sitare warghi,” hinting at a track with strong Indian elements.
He also released a new single titled Old Phone. The announcement video includes glimpses of his time in India. Fans can see him playing traditional instruments like the tabla and sitar and enjoying the local vibe.
The video shows Ed riding an auto, traveling by bus, and getting the Punjabi tattoo on his shin. He also revealed that he completed the album while in Goa.
Album Reflects Joy and Global Cultures
Sharing more about his album, Ed wrote on Instagram, “Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that, I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring.”
He added, “I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father.”
View this post on Instagram
A Fun and Playful Campaign
Ed said he wants this album campaign to be lively and entertaining.
“So that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open-top buses and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars. The older I get the more I just want to enjoy things, and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic. You can preorder Play now, many, many more playful things to come before it’s out. Old Phone also out today, go listen,” he wrote.
Highlights from India Tour
Ed’s India visit was part of his Mathematics Tour. He began in Pune on January 30 and performed in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Shillong.
His tour was filled with unforgettable experiences. In Chennai, he performed the popular song Urvashi with music icon A.R. Rahman. In Bengaluru, he played cricket with Rajasthan Royals players Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.
Ed also took a scooter ride with singer Arijit Singh and gifted pink shirts to a kids’ football team in Shillong. He even explored Indian streets in autos and e-rickshaws, fully enjoying the local lifestyle.
