Brighten the Corners
Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich
Ed Sheeran caused a frenzy on Friday with an impromptu performance of his new single "Old Phone" at a local pub in Ipswich...Essex County, Massachusetts.
Why it matters: The Suffolk-born singer's appearance in the small American town that shares its name with ours, caused quite the stir.
The fun kicked off when Sheeran climbed onto the back of a pickup truck in the coastal Massachusetts town.
"He just came up to me and said, 'Do you mind if I sing on your truck?'" said Ipswich resident Jack Wile, speaking to CBS. "All of a sudden he picked me out of the crowd and just asked to come sing on the truck. I feel like you've got to say yes to that!"
The details: Sheeran performed his new song, "Old Phone," in front of more than 100 people who gathered in the streets.
"In the flesh! It is amazingly exciting and everyone is just in awe," said fan Deborah Olszewski.
What they're saying: Local residents were stunned by the unexpected visit.
"Definitely the biggest thing that's ever happened in this tiny little town," said Ipswich resident Jenny Kentros.
By the numbers: Sheeran later hosted a three-hour private concert at a pop-up Irish pub named The Old Phone after his new song.
"I did not think he would sing his entire new song for us," said fan Sarah Goodwin.
For context: The pub was designed to resemble a traditional English establishment.
"It's great. It's like a little English pub with greens and browns and pictures of him hanging everywhere and other pictures of horses and things you would see in an English pub," said Kathy McMahon.
The bottom line: Sheeran expressed gratitude to the town during his visit.
"Thank you so much for letting us be here," Sheeran told the crowd. "I know it's causing a little bit of a disturbance but we really, really are grateful."
Browse upcoming gigs
Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues
