When Ed Sheeran announced the expansion of his 2018 stadium tour in February, fans were quick to point out the "Perfect" singer’s Miller Park performance had a not-so-perfect conflict, as the concert was scheduled during the MLB playoffs. Although some (mostly Cubs fans) were doubtful that the Brewers would make a deep run in the postseason, the team quickly clarified that, should there be a conflict, a new show date would be announced.
As we all know, the Brewers went on to win the NL Central and fell just one win short of their first World Series appearance since 1982. And although Miller Park was technically open for Sheeran’s originally scheduled date (Oct. 23), to accommodate tour load-in and setup, the show was postponed one day.
So while many fans would have loved for the Brewers to have made the World Series and delay the concert for longer than 24 hours, Ed Sheeran’s Milwaukee fans were ready for a great night of live music on Wednesday night – and if you weren’t in attendance, you definitely should have been.
Here are nine reasons why you shouldn’t have missed Ed Sheeran’s huge Milwaukee performance:
1. He’s a one-man show
Ed Sheeran travels light. Although it takes a large crew to put together Ed Sheeran’s massive stage, Sheeran does without a band, dancers and backup singers and puts together an unforgettable one-man show only complemented by a mic, guitar, loop pedal and stage.
Fans who enjoyed Sheeran’s Summerfest performance in 2015 can co-sign the above, as Sheeran took a moment early in both concerts to describe his set-up.
Instead of performing with a band or pre-recorded instrumental tracks, Sheeran uses a loop pedal to build up the tracks behind his vocals. The process is very entertaining and impressive, and the end result makes for a complete track – far more advanced than what you might expect from an acoustic performance.
While bands and dancers certainly serve a purpose for a huge pop tour, Sheeran’s live show is the exception and Sheeran alone is all you need on stage.
2. It was his biggest Milwaukee show yet
Wednesday was Sheeran’s fourth performance in Milwaukee, and it was by far his biggest yet. Following shows at The Pabst Theater, The Rave’s Eagles Ballroom and the Marcus Amphitheater, Sheeran’s Milwaukee audience continues to grow at an impressive rate.
Sheeran’s sold-out crowd on Wednesday saw double the amount of fans pass through the gates, so we can’t imagine how the "Thinking Out Loud" singer will meet the demand for his next Milwaukee visit.
3. Mashups
Not only does Sheeran keep fans on their feet with the hits and tracks from his latest studio album, "÷," but he also performs a number of great mashups.
On Wednesday, Sheeran’s first mashup came early as he blended his 2014 hit "Don’t" with his "÷" track, "New Man." The two upbeat songs are deserving of their own spots on the set list, but they went together perfectly and combined for one of the many highlights of the performance.
The second of two mashups mixed together one of Sheeran’s records, "I See Fire," with Nina Simone’s 1965 song "Feeling Good." Each mashup had completely different vibes but both were standout moments from the night that showcased Sheeran’s creativity.
4. Stadium status
While Miller Park hosts at least 81 baseball games a year (a few more this year, of course), concerts at the Milwaukee stadium are few and far between. Although Miller Park hosted two concerts in 2018, fans usually have just one opportunity per year to see a huge recording artist bring their tour to 1 Brewers Way.
Sheeran now joins artists like Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, One Direction, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and more, to bless the stage at the home of the Brewers.
So even though fans have had plenty of opportunities to enjoy A-list concerts at the new Fiserv Forum, when you have a chance to catch a concert at Miller Park, you should take it.
5. Snow Patrol
When Miller Park and Sheeran’s team originally postponed the concert, it seemed likely that both previously scheduled openers, Lauv and Snow Patrol, would miss the new date. And although Lauv was not able to make the new date, Snow Patrol pulled through and was announced as the sole opener for Wednesday evening.
The Northern Irish band warmed up the crowd with a number of songs from its catalog, including "Empress," "Life on Earth" and its hit single, "Chasing Cars."
Snow Patrol’s appearance wasn’t only special to its Milwaukee fans either, as Sheeran took time during his set to give a special thanks to the band that brought Sheeran on his first North American tour in 2012.
6. He showed love to the home team
To cap off his already memorable performance, Sheeran showed some love for the home team by rocking a Milwaukee Brewers jersey at the end of the night. Sheeran then took time to pose for a photo with the sold-out crowd while sporting the jersey.
We will just pretend that Ed didn’t wear a Dodgers jersey for his Staples Center tour stop in 2017. Go Brewers!
7. He flexed his stand-up comedy skills
You don’t only get a concert when Sheeran comes to town; you get to hear his stand-up routine between songs. During the middle of his Milwaukee concert, Sheeran had the crowd laughing while he thanked the super dads and boyfriends who were dragged to the concert – although we definitely caught a few dads and boyfriends singing along for some of the bigger hits.
8. One more night at Miller Park
2018 was a great year at Miller Park. Exceeding expectations, the Brewers had an awesome season, made a memorable playoff run and even won us all some free George Webb burgers in the process.
So while it may seem more fitting to say goodbye to Miller Park for the year with some baseball, why not spend one more night at the home of the Brewers?
9. The encore
Sheeran ended his set on a high note with his energetic 2014 single "Sing," but that wasn’t enough for his Wisconsin fans as the crowd stayed put in their seats for an encore performance.
With the home team represented across his chest, Sheeran delivered a great two-song encore with his hit-track "Shape of You" and "You Need Me, I Don’t Need You," a 2009 track that even pre-dates the success of Sheeran’s breakout single "The A-Team."
The encore went full circle and served as a reminder of just how far Sheeran has come along. From performing on the streets to selling out stadiums a thousand miles from home, Sheeran’s growth was on full display on Wednesday night – and his Milwaukee fans were happy to be a part of it.
Set list
"Castle on the Hill"
"Eraser"
"The A Team"
"Don’t"/"New Man"
"Dive"
"Bloodstream"
"Happier"
"Tenerife Sea"
"Galway Girl"
"Feeling Good"/"I See Fire"
"Thinking Out Loud"
"Photograph"
"Perfect"
"Nancy Mulligan"
"Sing"
Encore
"Shape of You"
"You Need Me, I Don’t Need You"
