Ed Sheeran to take a break after ‘wild’ tour

Ed Sheeran

After playing 260 concerts around the world in the past two years for his “Divide” tour, Ed Sheeran announced that he’s planning to take a break from the live music scene for at least 18 months.

“I have been on this tour for over two years now, and this is the last day of the whole thing,” the British pop star was quoted as saying during the final stop of “Divide” at the Chantry Park in Ipswich, United Kingdom.

“There’s something very bittersweet about it. I love that you guys are here. This is my last gig for probably 18 months,” the “Shape of You” singer revealed.

For the singer-songwriter, the “Divide” tour—now reportedly the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, after edging out U2’s “360°”—had been “a wild one.”

“We have played all around the world: Glastonbury, Wembley Stadium—all these amazing venues. America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, South America… It has been an emotional day for a lot of people backstage,” he told the audience. “It feels like, in a weird way, you’re breaking up with a girlfriend you have been with for years.”

The 28-year-old music artist, who had earlier expressed his desire to start his own family by the time he turns 30, then bid his fans goodbye—but not without assuring them that he would be back.

“I want to say thank you to everyone on this tour … to everyone who has given me a chance,” said Ed, who’s married to his childhood sweetheart, Cherry Seaborn. “See you in a few years’ time.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO