Imagine giving up your phone for over a decade—no texts, no social media, no constant notifications. That’s exactly what Ed Sheeran did in 2015, and the reason behind it is both surprising and deeply personal. During his recent Sydney show on the Loop Tour, the British singer-songwriter opened up about a decision that most of us would find unthinkable in today’s hyper-connected world. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: it all started with a $100 million copyright lawsuit that accused him of copying Marvin Gaye’s iconic hit, Let’s Get It On, in his 2014 single Thinking Out Loud.
On February 14, 2026, Sheeran took the stage at Accor Stadium in front of 70,000 fans, delivering a setlist packed with hits like Castle on the Hill, Shape of You, and Perfect. Midway through the show, he paused to share a story that few fans knew. ‘In the last decade, if you’ve seen my name in the news, it’s probably tied to that lawsuit,’ he admitted. After an eight-year legal battle, a New York jury ruled in his favor in 2023, but the experience left an indelible mark on him.
And this is the part most people miss: as part of the legal process, Sheeran was forced to hand over his electronic devices for investigation. ‘I’m just glad there was nothing embarrassing on them,’ he joked, lightening the mood. But the real revelation came when he explained why he hasn’t owned a phone since 2015. During an Australian tour that year, he switched off his phone and vowed never to use one again. ‘I moved to email, and that’s been my life since,’ he said. When the phone was later reactivated for the lawsuit, it became a time capsule of sorts, filled with texts from friends who had passed away and family members he hadn’t spoken to in years. ‘It was like being frozen in time,’ he recalled, a moment so powerful it inspired Old Phone, a track from his 2025 album Play.
But here’s the controversial part: Sheeran’s decision to ditch his phone raises a bigger question—is our constant connectivity doing more harm than good? In an era where we’re glued to our screens, his choice feels almost radical. ‘I write songs about the extremes of life,’ he explained. ‘The bad days often lead to the best songs.’ And this philosophy shines through in Old Phone, a deeply personal track that turned a legal nightmare into art.
Sheeran’s love for Australia was palpable throughout the show. ‘This was the first place outside the UK to embrace my music,’ he gushed. ‘Sydney, if you haven’t lost your voice tomorrow, I haven’t done my job.’ With two more Sydney shows and stops in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, the Loop Tour is a testament to his global impact.
So, here’s the question for you: Could you live without your phone for a decade? Or is Sheeran’s choice a relic of a bygone era? Let’s debate it in the comments—I’m curious to hear your thoughts!
