Live music review: Ed Sheeran at Sub89

Joy Masefield • Published 27 Oct 2011 09:30 2 Comments

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Good gig, shame about the crowd: Ed Sheeran at Sub89

I've been looking forward to seeing the red haired wonder Ed Sheeran since back in February 2010 when he released his Loose Change EP. Now with a debut album under his belt, he's come a very long way from the YouTube phenomenon he was, to selling out tours and making festival appearances.

Kicking off the gig at Sub89 in Reading, with their own unique blend of 'Irish freestyle hip-hop' were Rob Broderick and Abandoman, who have performed at comedy shows and festivals all over the UK. The only way to describe them was hilarious. I was literally in stitches as Rob pulled up members of the audience and tailored every song to fit their life story/job/the contents of their pockets... He got the young crowd singing along and well engaged, ready for Ed's set.

Ed arrived, to ear piercing screams and cheering, opening with Grade 8 from his new album +. Among the crowd's enthusiastic singing, I struggled to actually see him on the stage through the sea of smartphones waving in the air. Apparently that's how you watch your favourite singers these days: through the tiny screen of your phone as you record the video and take photos to put on your Facebook! Either way Ed seemed unphased by this, and belted out more album tracks, to which the crowd merrily sang along - but only if they knew the words from hearing them played on Radio 1.

The mood took a bit of a turn when he played his version of Wayfaring Stranger and tried to sing a cappella.

There were angry outbursts as some people continued their conversations over the singing, and he had to start the song again. Then he started to tell a story about the next track he wrote and it's meaning to him, but being a quiet love song I struggled to hear the words over the sound of chatting. The crowd's 'gig etiquette' was appalling, and they barely applauded him as he finished up and left the stage. Now, this would usually be the part where they cheer relentlessly until he reappears for an encore, but apparently not. A few people walked off, some waited, but he did come back to close with his two big hits The A Team and You Need Me which he used to get everyone involved and sing parts for him.

For me, this was a very different gig experience to what I'm used to, but that's not to say it had anything to do with Ed, as he performed all his songs fantastically. Unfortunately, the fans made it hard to enjoy with their classroom like behaviour. It just wasn't what I expected!

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 27 Oct 11

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longtermedfan
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Oct 28, 23:56
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I agree with this article completely. Also been anticipating this gig since feb but was a bit dissapointed at being pushed all the way to the back by the crowds of u16's trying to get a good picture. After being one of the smallest venues on his tour i expected it would have been alot more personal and easier to see and hear. Ed was fantastic however and sang as perfectly as always. ive seen him perform a few times and this just wasnt the same atmosphere wise. meeting him afterwards was a bonus though!

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Megan Evans
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Nov 2, 16:50
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Do you like Ed Sheeran? Check out this video made by O2!

Ed Sheeran Quizzed By Fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwXQm7YULdw

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