Ed Sheeran delighted fans in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter on March 15, 2025, with a spontaneous street performance, where he debuted his brand-new song, “Azizam.”
The surprise appearance, which began around 11 a.m. local time, saw Sheeran dressed casually in a tie-dyed tee and blue pants, carrying a portable amplifier and microphone.
He was joined by the famous New Orleans brass ensemble, The Soul Rebels, a group that previously collaborated with Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl halftime show.
Before launching into the performance, Sheeran addressed the gathered crowd, expressing his excitement about unveiling “Azizam” for the very first time.
The song, which will be featured on his upcoming album “Play,” is deeply personal, with the title deriving from the Persian word “Azizam,” meaning “my dear” or “my beloved.”
Sheeran revealed that the track was inspired by his relationship with his wife, Cherry Seaborn.
The event quickly turned into an unforgettable experience for fans as Sheeran, alongside The Soul Rebels, led a musical parade through the streets of New Orleans, performing more songs along the way.
The atmosphere was electric, and those in attendance captured the magical moment on social media.
Later, Sheeran posted a video of the event on Instagram, thanking fans for showing up and sharing in the experience.
This isn’t the first time Sheeran has surprised fans with impromptu performances. Recently, he held a pop-up show in Nashville and even attempted a street concert in Bengaluru, India, which was unfortunately cut short by local authorities.
His New Orleans performance, however, went off without a hitch and has only fueled anticipation for the official release of “Azizam,” expected to drop in the coming weeks ahead of his eighth studio album, “Play.”
Fans who have followed Sheeran’s career know that he has a history of experimenting with raw, live performances and making intimate connections with his audience, and this event was no exception.
His last full-length album, “Autumn Variations” (2023), received praise for its introspective storytelling, and “Play” is expected to mark the beginning of a new creative era for the British singer-songwriter.
With “Azizam” making waves even before its official release, Sheeran’s latest surprise performance is another reminder of why he remains one of the world’s most beloved musicians.
