Ed Sheeran Joins Taylor Swift at Wembley for Surprise ‘Thinking Out Loud’ Performance, Fans React Enthusiastically
3 min read
Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated return to London’s Wembley Stadium on Thursday night marked a special moment in her Eras Tour, as she was joined by her long-time friend and fellow music icon, Ed Sheeran. The sold-out crowd of 92,000 fans erupted in cheers when Sheeran appeared on stage to perform with Swift during the acoustic section of her show.
Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran kicked off their mini-set with their 2012 hit duet “Everything Has Changed” before seamlessly transitioning into their 2017 collaboration “End Game.” To the delight of the audience, Swift then stayed on stage to sing along with Sheeran’s solo ballad “Thinking Out Loud,” further cementing the emotional connection between the artists and their fans.
“This is one of my best friends in the world,” Swift told the crowd after the performance. “He works so hard, he’s on tour right now and he’s probably so tired but he wanted to come and play for you.” The moment resonated deeply with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their excitement and admiration for the surprise collaboration. Tweets flooded in, with one fan exclaiming, “EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED WITH ED SHEERAN OMFG TAYLOR ALISON SWIFT,” while others shared their emotional connection to both artists’ music.
🚨| Taylor Swift and special guest, Ed Sheeran, performing a mashup of "Everything Has Changed", "End Game" and "Thinking Out Loud" at today's show! #LondonTSTheErasTour
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pic.twitter.com/imW1WvGSAR— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) August 15, 2024
The performance came after a difficult period for Swift, who had faced personal and public challenges in the weeks leading up to the concert. This Wembley show was her first since the cancellation of her Vienna dates due to a terror threat, and her first performance in the UK since the tragic knife attack in Southport that claimed the lives of three young children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Swift had privately reached out to the affected families, and although she did not directly address these tragedies during the show, the emotional weight of the events was palpable.
“The is one of my best friends in the world to the point where I feel like he’s the second brother of mine…” TAYLOR SWIFT TALKING ABOUT ED SHEERAN AND THEIR FRIENDSHIP ILL SOB pic.twitter.com/DDjvrmDNkD
— rose⁷☀ (@sufferlight) August 15, 2024
Despite the underlying somberness, the atmosphere at Wembley was electric, with fans uplifted by the music and the artists’ camaraderie. The Eras Tour, known for its high production value, featured a setlist of 46 songs, 16 costume changes, and a runtime of over three hours. Swift’s interactions with the audience were heartfelt yet minimal, allowing the music to take center stage. As she introduced the Folklore and Evermore segments of the evening, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming crowd size, saying she would miss performing to such large audiences.
two years ago i saw ed sheeran in the same stadium as taylor swift this year 🥹 pic.twitter.com/xBEfcya21p
— martha (@luvnickcharlie) August 15, 2024Advertisement
Security measures were noticeably heightened for the Wembley concerts, with restrictions in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. Non-ticket holders were banned from standing outside the stadium, and strict bag policies were enforced to maintain order.
Swift’s ongoing Eras Tour has already made history, and her run at Wembley will help her equal a venue record previously set by Take That in 2011. As the tour continues, Swift will perform five consecutive nights at Wembley, adding to her already impressive legacy as one of the world’s top touring artists. With the European leg nearing its conclusion, Swift’s influence and ability to bring people together through music remain undeniable.
EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED WITH ED SHEERAN OMFG TAYLOR ALISOM SWIFT
— ashley 🫶 (@the13manuscript) August 15, 2024
#LondonTSTheErasTour
pic.twitter.com/eob6uVgd1Y
Sheeran’s surprise appearance was just one of many unforgettable moments on a tour that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The show will no doubt be remembered as a testament to the power of music, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
