Ed Sheeran Visits Sheffield Music College For Surprise Gig: Watch
Ed Sheeran has surprised a group of Sheffield music students by giving an impromptu gig at their college.
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Sheeran arrived as 19-year-old student Lol Bailey was performing the singer’s No 1 hit Shape Of You in the college’s drama and music theatre.
Sheeran went on to perform Castle On The Hill, before taking part in a jam session, playing the acoustic guitar as the students freestyled rap lyrics on the microphone.
Angela Foulkes, The Sheffield College’s chief executive and principal, said it was “fantastic” welcoming Sheeran to the institution.
“It’s not every day that a global singer songwriter drops by to share their talent, knowledge and expertise with students to help them go further in their careers,” she said.
Matthew Henley, curriculum manager for music at the college, said it was an “inspirational experience” the students will “never forget”.
Ian Naylor, head of music education at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has a rich musical heritage and is committed to developing homegrown talent and seeing our creative industries thrive.
“It’s been a pleasure to host Ed today and see first-hand his commitment to using his global platform to champion the importance of music education.”
The surprise appearance was organised by the Sheffield Music Hub team at Sheffield City Council.
The star recently announced a tenth anniversary edition of the album. X (10th Anniversary Edition) will be released on June 21 and will feature nine bonus tracks, none of which have ever been available on vinyl before.
Sheeran’s second album helped turn him into a global superstar, with 22 million worldwide sales thanks to such hits as Don’t, Sing, Photograph and Thinking Out Loud. The bonus tracks include: Take It Back, Shirtsleeves, Even My Dad Does Sometimes, I See Fire (from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug), All of the Stars (from The Fault in Our Stars), English Rose, Touch and Go, New York and Make It Rain.