Ed Sheeran turned an ordinary Saturday morning in New Orleans into an unforgettable street party when he surprised fans with the live debut of his brand new single, “Azizam.” In a scene that could have been pulled straight from a music video, the 34-year-old Grammy-winner emerged from a sleek black SUV in the heart of the French Quarter, sporting a tie-dyed tee and blue pants—a look that perfectly captured his laid-back yet electrifying vibe.
At about 11 a.m. local time on March 15, 2025, Sheeran grabbed a portable amp and mic and, in true pop-up fashion, joined forces with the renowned Soul Rebels brass band. Known for their high-energy performances and recent stint backing Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl halftime show, the band provided a rousing backdrop as Sheeran unveiled “Azizam” to an awestruck crowd. This performance marked the first time the singer had ever played the new track live, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and excitement to the impromptu concert.
The spontaneous set wasn’t just about debuting new music—it was a full-on celebration. “We’re gonna do one song here – we’re filming a bit of content – and then we’re going to do a parade and walk down and play some songs, if you want to come with us,” Sheeran announced to his impromptu audience, setting the stage for a mini-parade that captured the spirit of New Orleans. The moment was immortalized on his Instagram, where fans watched as he rolled his amp down a narrow city street amidst a growing throng of admirers.
This surprise appearance is just one chapter in Sheeran’s week of off-the-cuff performances. Fresh off a raucous pop-up gig at Nashville’s iconic Tootsie’s bar—where he treated fans to a medley of his biggest hits along with a cheeky cover of Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time”—the British songsmith seems determined to keep his live shows as unpredictable as his chart-topping tracks. Even a recent street concert attempt in Bengaluru, India, turned into a lesson in spontaneity when local authorities intervened, prompting Sheeran to clarify on social media that the busking session was fully planned and authorized.
With whispers of an upcoming album titled Play already swirling, and “Azizam” serving as a tantalizing teaser, it looks like Sheeran is gearing up for another major musical chapter later this year. For fans and casual listeners alike, his unexpected New Orleans appearance was not only a reminder of his magnetic stage presence but also a promise that the best of his new music is still to come.
Source: PEOPLE
