Fans of Ed Sheeran are converging on Auckland’s Go Media Stadium as the global superstar launches the opening shows of his highly anticipated Loop Tour.
The record-breaking British musician is performing two sold-out concerts in Auckland on Friday night and Saturday, marking the world premiere of the tour, before heading south to Wellington and Christchurch next week. Thousands of fans arriving early at the venue said there was a palpable sense of excitement about witnessing the very first performances of the new tour.
“It feels special knowing this is where it all starts,” said one concertgoer, who travelled from Hamilton for the show. “We’re seeing the tour before anyone else in the world.”
Sheeran, whose career spans chart-topping albums, global stadium tours and occasional acting appearances, has a long-standing connection with New Zealand. More than a decade ago, he made his acting debut in Auckland with a guest role on the popular television series Shortland Street, long before becoming one of the most commercially successful artists of his generation.
Since then, his musical achievements have gone from strength to strength. He has notched up multiple record-breaking singles and albums, including the global smash hit “Perfect” from his album ÷, which reached number one in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, and remains one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said the concerts would be a major boost for the city, with an estimated 80,000 fans expected to attend the two Auckland shows alone. She noted that the production would feature the largest video screen ever built in New Zealand, making the event a landmark moment for live entertainment in the country.
To manage crowds, special event buses have been operating from Quay Street in the city centre, while fans have been urged to arrive early as traffic built up well before the gates opened at 4pm.
Sheeran will conclude the New Zealand leg of his Loop Tour with a performance at Sky Stadium on January 21, followed by two shows at Apollo Projects Stadium on January 24 and 25.
