Ed Sheeran's Auckland Show: A Deep Connection to New Zealand
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran's 2026 Loop Tour began in Auckland last night, with the artist expressing his profound affection for New Zealand. The Shape of You singer performed at Go Media Stadium, captivating an audience of around 40,000 fans. This marks Sheeran's sixth visit to the country, with a special connection to New Zealand that he shared with the crowd.
"When you start a tour in a place, you get to spend an extended period of time there," Sheeran said. "I couldn't think of a better place in the world to spend a month of my life. I love it."
The Auckland show featured a unique setup, including a large, circular stage and what organizers described as the largest video screen ever constructed in New Zealand for a concert. The three-hour set list included popular hits like You Need Me, I Don't Need You, Sapphire, Castle On The Hill, The A Team, Galway Girl, and Photograph.
During the show, Sheeran took the stage at the B-Stage for an acoustic performance, playing Thinking Out Loud, Perfect, I See Fire, and a medley of his own songs. The night concluded with Azizam and Bad Habits, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for the next day's show.
Beyond music, Sheeran has a history of engaging with New Zealand. He made a cameo on Shortland Street in 2014 and surprised students at two Auckland intermediate schools in 2023. The artist will continue his tour, headlining shows in Wellington's Sky Stadium on January 21, Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium on January 24 and 25.
Sheeran's deep connection to New Zealand is evident, and his tour is a testament to his love for the country and its fans.
