One of the UK’s most successful music artists surprised subway commuters in New York by performing an impromptu gig while disguised in a black hoodie, wig, and sunglasses
A well-known British pop sensation stunned fans by completely transforming his appearance while performing in the New York subway. The music icon, who has sold over 200 million records globally and released seven studio albums, was none other than Ed Sheeran, 34.
Known for his chart-topping hits and impressive accolades, including four Grammys, seven BRIT Awards, two American Music Awards, and eight Billboard Music Awards, Ed decided to return to his roots with an impromptu subway performance. Despite his fame, he proved that no stage is too small, treating commuters to a surprise gig.
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) quickly gained attention, showing Ed disguised in a black hoodie, large sunglasses, and a wig that completely hid his famous red hair. His “emo” look was completed with black cargo pants and a grey beanie.
Despite his undercover appearance, his distinctive voice and incredible talent were unmistakable, drawing in a crowd who happily sang along to his acoustic cover of Chappell Roan’s hit Pink Pony Club. One fan even wrote: “Ed Sheeran disguised as an emo boy singing Chappell Roan in the subway, they really did this for me.”
After the performance, Ed revealed his true identity, delighting in the successful prank. Some speculated that the surprise performance might be part of a promotion for a new album, with the fan account suggesting, “Azizam in the NYC subway!!! New Ed Sheeran album imminent, he’s popping up in random places again.”
Interestingly, the other performer in the video bore a striking resemblance to TV host Jimmy Fallon, leading some to wonder if this was a segment for his talk show.
This isn’t the first time Ed has surprised fans with unconventional performances. Back in August 2024, he was spotted performing at a burger van in a Sainsbury’s car park in Hertfordshire, sparking rumours new music could be on the way.
While Ed is best known for his musical penmanship, he is now he’s taking it to politics. The singer has written an open letter to Keir Starmer and the UK government in a bid to save music education in Britain.
The letter has been signed by over 600 other artists and industry leaders, including the likes of Harry Styles, Stormzy, Elton John and Central Cee, who are appealing for a £250 million music education package to repair “decades of dismantling music”.
The UK music industry raked in a record revenue of £1.49 billion last year, on the back of Covid-delayed tours by superstar artists such as Coldplay, Elton John – and Ed Sheeran himself. However, with the decline of grassroots venues, musicians are arguing that young talent needs government support.
According to a report by the Music Venue Trust (MVT), a shocking four in 10 grassroots music venues are operating at a loss. In addition, there has been an 8.3% year-on-year decline in live music shows and a 13.5% reduction in ticket revenues across these music spaces.
“As an industry, we bring in £7.6bn into the UK economy, yet the next generation is not there to take the reins,” Sheeran said in his open letter to the Prime Minister. His reference to the music industry’s income is also a nod to his own impact on the economy as an artist.
Indisputably, Ed Sheeran is one of the UK’s most successful musical exports. In 2017, his best-selling album Divide, which featured global hits like Shape of You, was credited with causing a 7% rise in music industry revenue.
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