Metlife Stadium is pretty big. It is one of my favorite concert venues because of how the interior of the stadium is situated. Restrooms, food, and merch are always nearby. However, the parking lots are a nightmare when trying to leave the stadium. There is no organization and it’s a mad rush. The recent addition of the nearby American Dream mall has made the traffic situation even worse. On a positive note, all of the staff members I encountered were helpful and kind.
Now that the negative and practical stuff is out of the way, let’s get to what we came here for: the concert Ed Sheeran played for 89,106 people. He also set a new record at MetLife Stadium for being the biggest ever concert in the stadium, bypassing the record Taylor Swift made a few weeks ago.
Our History
I saw Ed Sheeran in concert when he was last at MetLife Stadium in September of 2018. After that concert, I remember being excited to see him whenever he decided to go on tour again. When his presale tickets went on sale last September for his Mathematics Tour, I woke up early and waited in the virtual line to get the best seats I could. I guess some of my old One Direction tactics paid off?
He played some of my old favorites like, “A Team,” “I’m a Mess,” and “Photograph,” but also newer hits like, “Castle on the Hill,” “Boat,” and “Eyes Closed.” I was hoping he was going to play “Lego House” but hearing “A Team” live was good enough for me. I also loved hearing “Galway Girl” live again, but this time with a fiddle player? I think that’s the instrument’s name, at least that’s the instrument that is mentioned in the lyrics of the song. (It was magical.)
The Set-Up
Sheeran preformed on a rotating stage that had a stationary middle center. He recorded audio to create loops that he skillfully controlled using a handy foot electronic contraption of sorts.
The concert lasted for about two and a half hours but I could have listened to him sing and preform a lot longer. It was amazing to see the stadium glow with cell phone lights during some more serious songs and hear everyone go silent when Sheeran asked for us to be as quiet as possible. The crowd was respectful during the slower songs as people listened to his angel voice. This is not always the way it is in such a large venue.
Since the last time I saw him, he has gained confidence. The way he commanded the stage was different and I am happy for him. He, like most of us, has been through a lot in the past few years and I am glad that he seems to be in a good place.
Another one?
Last night when I got home and was about to knock out, I checked to see where else he is going on tour to see if anywhere was doable for me. I did not end up buying tickets to another tour stops (because $$), but I sure wanted to.
If you’re going to a concert and need a clear bag to abide by the stadium rules, here is the link to the one that I used. It has a strap that can be changed so I took off the one it came with and clipped on the strap from my Micheal Kors bag for extra sturdiness.
One Direction and Ed Sheeran
I have been listening to Ed Sheeran since I was in 8th grade, which was in 2012. I got into Ed Sheeran and One Direction at about the same time. I found out about Sheeran when a friend introduced me to “Lego House” at our sleepover after our 8th grade dance. I was like, “That’s Ron? I’m confused.” And that was the start of it all.
Since One Direction has disbanded, or is at least on a *temporary* (let’s be real, permanent) hiatus, Ed Sheeran is the artist I have been a fan of for the longest amount of time. When I like someone’s music, I don’t really become a fan unless I watch interviews and feel some kind of kindred spirit. Sheeran seems like a kind, humble guy who works hard and loves what he does. I deeply respect him for remaining so thankful throughout his career. He has flaws like all of us and he never tries to act like he doesn’t.
Lights, Camera, Action
Just before Sheeran came on stage, there was a countdown that displayed how long it would be until the Englishman appeared. About ninety seconds before it was time for the show, I heard cheers from a crowd of people in my section. I turned around, looked up and saw a face I immediately recognized: Gordon Ramsey.
While I am not a fan of all the yelling and screaming in his cooking shows, I have been watching his show on Fox called Food Stars. I like his demeanor on that platform and he gives me less heartburn. Then, Ed popped on stage and I forgot about Gordan until I was in the car on the ride home. Then I thought, “Gordon Ramsey was like a hundred feet away from me, how absurdly random but cool?”
Later, I found out that Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth also attended the concert. That explained why some sections of the arena randomly erupted into screaming and I did not understand why. Will Hunting, Thor and Chef Gordon Ramsey. Ed Sheeran has a wide ranging audience. Well done, Ed. (I found out later that Hemsworth and Damon were only a few sections over from Ramsey, so I am basically an Avenger now.)
Thinking Out Loud
As you may be able to see from my photos, the lighting displays were amazing. I do wish that more of Ed was shown on the big rectangle screen instead of the pre-edited/filmed graphics. Sometimes the edits prevented me from seeing his face clearly and I want to see that ginger hair and pale face.
Overall, it was a beautiful concert with great weather that cooled down just in time for the show to begin. The crowd loved the show and it looked like Ed loved it too. My only gripe is that he did refer to us as New York and let me remind you, MetLife Stadium is in NEW JERSEY.
Sincerely,
a Jersey girl
p.s. You can buy Ed’s newest album here or listen to the song he wrote for the ending of the beloved T.V. show Ted Lasso here.
Aloha Arianna 