Ed Sheeran Starts 2026 Australia Tour with Big Show

Ed Sheeran has started his 2026 tour in Australia. He is using his loop pedal to play songs live. The shows have big lights and music, but some people heard small problems with the sound.
By Newsroom | Music, Australia |

The start of Ed Sheeran's highly anticipated 2026 Australian tour is marked by a blend of ambitious stagecraft and the artist's signature solo performance style. The shows, which kicked off in February 2026, feature extensive use of loop pedals, pyrotechnics, and a setlist encompassing both new material and fan favorites. However, reports also indicate some technical challenges emerged during the opening performances.

Tour Announcement and Planning

Ed Sheeran announced his 2026 Australian and New Zealand stadium tour in July 2025. The tour, named the "Loop Tour," is scheduled to span across multiple major cities, including Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as well as New Zealand dates in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Ticket on-sale dates were staggered throughout July 2025, with various presale options available for members of Telstra Plus and Frontier Touring.

Blockbuster in busker style: Ed Sheeran opens Australian run with swagger and pyrotechnics - 1

  • Initial Announcement: July 22, 2025 (Variety)

  • Tour Name: "Loop Tour"

  • Key Cities: Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide (Australia); Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch (New Zealand)

  • Presale Dates: July 25-28, 2025 (reported by GC Magazine and Billboard)

Performance Format and Content

Sheeran's live show centers on his established method of using a loop pedal to build songs in real-time. This involves layering guitar, percussion, and vocals. The setlist is designed to include songs from his forthcoming album, Play, alongside his well-known hits and songs he has written for other artists.

Read More: Lily Allen's 'West End Girl' Tour Starts in Chicago with Revealing Outfits

  • Core Technique: Live looping with a pedal to build songs layer by layer.

  • Setlist Elements:

  • New tracks from the album Play.

  • Global chart-toppers and fan favorites.

  • Medley of songs written for other artists.

  • Stage Elements: The shows are described as ambitious, incorporating bold visuals and pyrotechnics, while also aiming for acoustic moments and crowd singalongs.

Expansion and Additional Dates

The initial tour schedule saw expansions due to high demand. Multiple dates were added in several cities, including Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, to accommodate ticket sales. This led to a significant number of performances within a concentrated period in February 2026.

Blockbuster in busker style: Ed Sheeran opens Australian run with swagger and pyrotechnics - 2

  • Added Dates:

  • Perth: An additional show was added at Optus Stadium.

  • Sydney: A third show was added at Accor Stadium, extending the residency to three nights.

  • Melbourne: An additional date was added at Marvel Stadium.

  • Significance: The addition of dates points to strong audience interest following Sheeran's previous record-breaking tours in the region.

Support Acts

Several artists were announced as support for the Australian and New Zealand leg of the tour. The lineup included a mix of international and local talent, aiming to complement Sheeran's performance style.

  • Primary Support: Vance Joy (Australian singer-songwriter).

  • Other Supporting Acts:

  • Mia Wray (Melbourne-based artist).

  • BIIRD (Irish traditional group, performing in Perth).

  • Aaron Rowe (Irish singer, performing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide).

Critical Reception and Observations

Early reviews of the tour's opening shows in Australia highlight both the strengths of Sheeran's solo performance and some operational issues. The artist's ability to command a stadium crowd with a singular focus on his loop pedal and songwriting is frequently noted. However, reports also mention that the scale of the production, particularly the pyrotechnics, sometimes impacted the perceived intimacy of his more personal songs.

Read More: Melbourne Man Charged With Murder After Woman's Body Found Near Freeway

  • Strengths:

  • Mastery of the loop pedal and one-man show format.

  • Engaging the audience with singalongs.

  • Successful integration of new and familiar material.

  • Observed Challenges:

  • Occasional "technical hiccups" affecting sound quality.

  • The "sound occasionally blunts the intimacy" of certain songs due to the large venue and production elements.

  • Overall Impression: The show is characterized as ambitious and energetic, with Sheeran comfortably inhabiting his role as a stadium performer.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Ed Sheeran's 2026 Australia tour start?
The tour started in February 2026. It includes many shows in big cities across Australia.
Q: What is special about Ed Sheeran's show?
Ed Sheeran uses a loop pedal to build his songs live. He plays guitar, drums, and sings all at once. The shows also have big lights and effects.
Q: Were there any problems with the shows?
Some people said there were small technical issues, like with the sound. They also felt the big effects sometimes made the quiet songs less personal.
Q: Who is playing with Ed Sheeran?
Vance Joy is the main support act. Other artists like Mia Wray and Aaron Rowe are also playing at some shows.