Ed Sheeran’s Play Album & Upcoming Concert Dates Revealed!

Ed Sheeran’s Play Album & Upcoming Concert Dates Revealed!

Blog Outline

Release Date Announced: Play Drops on September 12, 2025

Ed Sheeran’s highly anticipated eighth studio album, Play, is officially set for release on Friday, September 12, 2025. This marks the start of a bold new symbol-driven album series following his previous Mathematics era (+, ×, ÷, –, =).

Singles Leading the Way

• April 4, 2025: Lead single “Azizam” dropped, blending Persian and Irish influences and highlighting music’s universal connections.
  
• May 1, 2025: Nostalgic single “Old Phone” arrived, sparking a whimsical Instagram campaign called teddysoldphone.
  
• June 5, 2025: “Sapphire”, featuring Indian star Arijit Singh, was released with a Punjabi-English fusion and Indian-inspired imagery.
  
• August 7, 2025: Fourth single “A Little More” launched, with a creative video starring Rupert Grint and over 250 thrifted outfits, filmed in Suffolk.
  

Why Play Is a Game-Changer

Ed Sheeran describes Play as “playful, explorative, and celebratory”. It reflects a richer, more diverse sonic palette inspired by global cultures fusing Persian, Indian, and traditional pop throughout the album. Ed revealed the album represents a jubilant departure from darker times, delivering bold creativity and emotional honesty.

Upcoming unconfirmed Concert Dates | Catch Play Live!

European Tour Finale: Mathematics Tour

His Mathematics Tour wraps with European dates in May–September 2025:

• Kicks off May 5 in Madrid, followed by shows in Rome, Oslo, Zurich, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and concludes in Düsseldorf on September 9, 2025.
  

2026 Loop Tour: Australia & New Zealand

Looking ahead, Ed is heading Down Under for his Loop Tour in early 2026. Shows will take place from January to March 2026 in New Zealand and Australia, at venues in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Play Tour Possible Setlist

Opening Act – Big Energy Starters

1. Opening (Play – intro track, sets the mood)
2. Shape of You (÷)
3. Castle on the Hill (÷)

Fan Favorites & Emotional Hits

4. Perfect (÷)
5. Thinking Out Loud (x)
6. Photograph (x)
7. Give Me Love (+)

New Play Tracks Live

8. Azizam (Play – lead single, global vibes)
9. Old Phone (Play – nostalgia anthem)
10. Sapphire (with Punjabi/Hindi/English fusion – possible guest feature with Arijit Singh in select cities)
11. A Little More (Play)
12. Slowly (Play)

High Energy Middle Section

13. Galway Girl (÷)
14. Bad Habits (=)
15. Shivers (=)
16. Don’t (x)

Deep Cuts & Special Acoustic Moments

17. The A Team (+)
18. Bloodstream (x)
19. Eyes Closed (-)
20. Heaven (Play – likely saved for live debut)

Encore – Big Closing Hit

21. Thinking Out Loud (Reprise) or The Vow (Play, acoustic version)
22. Lego House (+)
23. You Need Me, I Don’t Need You (+ – extended live loop performance)
24. Sing (x, upbeat crowd finisher)

Encore Surprise:

• Don’t Look Down (Play)
• Drunk (+)
• For Always (Play)

Final Thoughts

Ed Sheeran’s Play ushers in a vibrant new chapter rich in cultural textures, heartfelt storytelling, and exhilarating artistry. With multiple singles already released, fans have had a preview of his sonic direction. And with live performances upcoming in the UK, there’s never been a better time to secure your spot for unforgettable live entertainment experiences.