Ed Sheeran in Boston for surprise visit to WBZ-TV before Old Phone Pub opening in Ipswich
Ed Sheeran was in Boston early Friday morning for a surprise visit to WBZ-TV. Sheeran is in Massachusetts for the opening of the Old Phone Pub in Ipswich tonight.
This morning, he met with the anchors of WBZ News Mornings and took a tour of the studios after the newscast ended at 7 a.m.
He also recorded a special weather forecast for Ipswich in front of the green screen in the main studio.
"I like doing firsts. It's my first time doing this," Sheeran said, while wearing a shirt with the title, "We are the weather."
When asked about being in Massachusetts so much the last few years the British superstar said, "I almost feel like I've been adopted by you lot."
Ed Sheeran's weather forecast video
The Old Phone Pub in Ipswich
The Old Phone Pub is a pop-up bar and will only be open for one day, according to the town of Ipswich.
It's named for the English singer-songwriter's new single "Old Phone." Sheeran performed the song for the first time Wednesday in an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in New York City. He said the music video for the song includes the construction of the temporary pub on Estes Street behind the Old Mill Building in Ipswich.
If you want to visit the pub, it won't be easy. Sheeran said those who'd like to check it out should get their own old phone and find an old message that means a lot to you. You can then send it to a special text line on The Old Phone Pub website.
If his team selects your message, it will be projected on the pub's walls. If you're able to get in, there's a small menu available for guests.
"Hope it doesn't overwhelm the town"
"I'm super excited to do it, but I hope it doesn't overwhelm the town though," Sheeran told WBZ Friday. Crowds followed him around the neighborhood as he visited the pub Friday afternoon.
But, the town of Ipswich had a warning for anyone planning on coming to the pub Friday.
"Atlantic Records has informed the Town that the pub is open ONLY to those who have received a confirmation text, plus one guest. Guests must show a valid ID. Admission, for those with a valid text (no copies or screenshots) is still not guaranteed and subject to first-come, first-served access," the town said in a statement.
"The Town of Ipswich highly encourages the general public to avoid driving in the area. The pub is not in a readily visible location, and there are no public events scheduled."
Parking is also very limited in the area.
Ed Sheeran in Boston
Earlier this month, Sheeran came to Boston for a surprise performance at The Dubliner Irish Pub in Government Center on St. Patrick's Day.
A customer told WBZ Sheeran stunned the crowd and "appeared out of nowhere."
When asked about it Friday, Sheeran said, "I loved how many actual Irish people were there. It was cool." The Grammy winner said he's half Irish because his father is Irish.
Ed Sheeran in Massachusetts
Sheeran has an impressive history in Massachusetts.
Last summer, he headlined the first night of Boston Calling at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The night before that show, he went to the Garden with Renee Rapp to watch the Boston Celtics play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Before the game, he met with several kids and took photos with them at Boston Children's Hospital. He also played "Perfect" and "Castle on the Hill" for patients and their families.
Sheeran is also known for packing stadiums around the world.
In July 2023, he played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro and set the single-show attendance record there. After the concert, he said, "I have so much history at this place. I really think that this is my favorite place to play in the United States."
Ed Sheeran 2025 tour
Sheeran is currently on a break from his 2025 tour. It will resume April 26 in Abu Dhabi in The United Arab Emirates. For more information on tour dates and tickets, visit his website.
