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Global pop sensation Ed Sheeran has declared that although he was born in England, his heart—and rhythm—are unmistakably Irish. In a candid chat on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the "Galway Girl" hitmaker opened up about his strong cultural identity, the perils of fame, and the environmental challenges of being a superstar who still flies Ryanair.
Raised in Suffolk, England, Sheeran revealed that his upbringing was steeped in Irish culture thanks to his father's Belfast roots and a house full of traditional Irish music. "My first musical experiences were in Ireland," he said, adding that he spent most family holidays there. "I class my culture as Irish... I grew up with trad music in the house."
Sheeran brushed aside the idea that cultural identity must align strictly with birthplace. "It should be how you feel and how you were raised," he insisted. He also noted that Ireland isn't just a spiritual home—it's his most musically successful market. "It's basically my second home," he said, noting the fierce love he receives there.
Beyond heritage, Sheeran got real about the downsides of fame, particularly the impact it has had on his family life. Married to Cherry Seaborn and a proud father of two, he lamented not being able to do normal dad things like pushing his children on swings without being filmed. "My kids didn't sign up for this," he noted, making it clear that the price of public life often feels too high.
Ever the eco-conscious artist, Sheeran admitted that while he tries to avoid private jets, touring doesn't always allow for green choices. "I like the environment, I like trees," he joked, sharing that after one gig in Italy, he flew back with fans on Ryanair. Imagine sitting next to Ed Sheeran while munching your in-flight crisps—surreal.
On the music front, Sheeran is gearing up to release his eighth studio album, Play, in September. But he confessed that releasing music stresses him out more than creating it. "You love the songs, and suddenly they're out there—people might not like them, and that changes how you feel about them," he said.
He even reflected on his "peak" during the Divide era, noting that while that time brought massive success, it also made him deeply unhappy. Now, cruising comfortably at a lower altitude of fame, Sheeran says he's much happier. Between Irish pride, Ryanair flights, and musical vulnerability, it's clear Ed Sheeran is charting his own course—one folk-inspired note at a time.
