5 Secrets Behind Ed Sheeran's 'Play' Album And Massive LOOP Tour (2025 Update)

The global music landscape has been completely redefined in 2025, and Ed Sheeran is at the epicenter of the shift, launching a bold new era with his highly anticipated eighth studio album, Play. Following the conclusion of his monumental 'Mathematics' series, the English singer-songwriter has stepped into a fresh creative phase, characterized by innovative soundscapes and a relentless stream of new music. This deep dive, current as of December 15, 2025, uncovers the biggest secrets and essential details about the *Play* album, the ambitious *LOOP Tour*, and the personal evolution of one of the world's most successful pop artists.

The transition from the number-themed albums (like *Divide* and *Subtract*) to the free-form, vibrant energy of *Play* represents more than just a title change; it signals a new artistic direction. Fans and critics alike are buzzing about the record's unique influences, its surprising collaborations, and the sheer scale of his upcoming global concert series, which promises to be a career-defining moment for the Grammy-winning artist.

Ed Sheeran: Complete Artist Biography & Profile (2025)

Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran MBE is a British singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer known for his genre-crossing style, blending pop, folk, and soul. His heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies have earned him global recognition and multiple awards.

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• Full Name: Edward Christopher Sheeran
• Born: February 17, 1991
• Birthplace: Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
• Raised In: Framlingham, Suffolk, England
• Wife: Cherry Seaborn
• Children: Two daughters (Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran and Jupiter Seaborn Sheeran)
• Record Labels: Gingerbread Man Records, Atlantic Records, Asylum Records
• Major Album Series: The 'Mathematics' series (*+*, *x*, *÷*, *÷*, *-*)
• Honors: Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to music and charity.
• Key Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Loop Pedal
• Current Project (2025): Studio Album *Play* and the global *LOOP Tour*.

The Radical New Sound: Unpacking the 'Play' Album (Secret #1)

The release of *Play* on September 12, 2025, through Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic, was a seismic event. This album is a deliberate departure from the introspective, emotionally heavy themes of its predecessor, *Subtract* (or *-*), ushering in an era of pure, unadulterated musical experimentation.

The core secret of *Play* lies in its global inspiration. Sheeran spent time exploring sounds and melodies influenced by his exposure to Indian music and various international pop artists. This genre-crossing approach is evident in the album's structure, which features a vibrant mix of upbeat tracks and complex arrangements, a significant shift from his acoustic roots. The album is a testament to Sheeran’s versatility, proving he can pivot from deeply personal folk ballads to globally infused pop anthems.

The Singles That Defined the New Era

The rollout for *Play* was strategically designed to maintain momentum throughout 2025, with Sheeran promising to release a new song every few weeks. The three lead singles offered a clear glimpse into the album's diverse tracklist:

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• "Azizam" (Released April 4, 2025): A track that immediately stood out for its unique title and rhythm, hinting at the album’s international flavor. It set the tone for the 'Play' era.
• "Old Phone" (Released May 1, 2025): A more classic Sheeran-style track with heartfelt lyrics, though delivered with a fresh, crisp production, exploring themes of nostalgia and connection.
• "Sapphire" (Released June 5, 2025): The third single, which quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing the artist's ability to craft a memorable, radio-ready pop hit.

Additional tracks like "War Game," "Regrets," and "Symmetry" are also featured on the standard tracklist, further solidifying the album's commitment to diverse themes and sonic textures. The album's deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks, giving dedicated fans an even deeper dive into this new body of work.

The LOOP Tour: A Global Spectacle Unlike Any Other (Secret #2)

Following the massive success of the *Play* album, Ed Sheeran announced his most ambitious concert series to date: the *LOOP Tour*. Named in tribute to the loop pedal that has been a signature element of his live performances, the tour is a global undertaking, spanning Europe, Oceania, and North America from December 2025 through late 2026.

The secret to the *LOOP Tour*'s massive appeal is its innovative stage design and production. Drawing inspiration from the energy of the *Play* album, the show incorporates cutting-edge visual effects, a 360-degree stage setup, and, crucially, a greater focus on the live instrumentation and layering that the loop pedal allows. This ensures that even in stadium settings, the performance retains the intimate, one-man-show feeling that defined his early career.

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Key Tour Dates and Locations

The initial run of the *LOOP Tour* includes major stops across the globe, with tickets selling out in minutes. The tour officially kicks off in North America in late 2025, with dates continuing into the summer of 2026 and beyond.

• December 12, 2025: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (following his performance at the iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball)
• December 14, 2025: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• June 25, 2026: American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Milwaukee, WI

The tour is expected to set new records for attendance and revenue, further cementing Sheeran’s status as a top-tier stadium act. The setlist is a blend of classic hits like "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud" alongside the new, high-energy tracks from *Play*, including the fan-favorite "Tenerife Sea" which he debuted at a recent concert.

Beyond the Music: Business, Collaborations, and Future Plans (Secrets #3, #4, & #5)

Ed Sheeran's 2025 is not just defined by his solo work; it’s also marked by strategic business moves and high-profile collaborations that showcase his influence across the industry.

Secret #3: The Potential Third 'Collaborations' Album

Fans of his 2019 project, *No.6 Collaborations Project*, have been eagerly awaiting a follow-up. In a recent update, Sheeran hinted that a third collaborations album might be on the horizon. This project would follow his established pattern of working with a diverse range of artists, potentially including the likes of Adele and Taylor Swift, whose names have been associated with recent music video concepts. This commitment to collaboration ensures his sound remains fresh and connects him with different fan bases.

Secret #4: The Move to the US and Industry Influence

In a surprising personal move, Ed Sheeran has revealed plans to relocate to the United States. This decision is seen by industry insiders as a strategic effort to be closer to the central hub of the global music business, potentially influencing his future projects and collaborations. Furthermore, his influence extends beyond songwriting; he has been praised by political figures like Keir Starmer for his efforts in promoting music education, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the arts community.

Secret #5: The End of the Mathematics Era

The biggest secret of all is the finality of the Mathematics series, which concluded with *Subtract*. By moving to a word-based title like *Play*, Sheeran has signaled a complete break from the decade-long structure that defined his career. This freedom allows him to explore themes and genres without the constraint of a conceptual framework, promising a future of unpredictable, exciting music. As he confirmed in his interview with Zane Lowe, this new phase is about embracing spontaneity and the joy of creation. The future of Ed Sheeran's music is now wide open, and the *Play* era is just the beginning.