Boy busker turned singing superstar

REVIEW: Ed Sheeran at the Principality Stadium ★★★★✩

HE WAS the boy busker who charmed the nation and became a singing superstar with his catchy pop hits, classy ballads and ability to capture a single moment in a song.

And as Ed Sheeran kicked off his first of four consecutive gigs at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last night, he proved why he deserves his superstar status.

After warm up slots from singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson and Sheeran’s pop star pal Anne Marie, it was time for the main man to take to the stage.

Performing with just a loop pedal and a guitar to tens of thousands of fans, Sheeran has the ability to make a massive stadium feel much more like an intimate pub gig.

Bursting onto the stage with the crowd-pleasing Castle On The Hill, Sheeran went on to play a set packed with hits. As well as older favourites such as The A Team, Sing and Thinking Out Loud he entertained the crowd with tracks from his latest album, Divide.

He endeared himself to the audience, telling them: “I’ve just done a big UK and Ireland stadium tour and this is by far my favourite stadium I’ve played.

“I’m so excited because I know the Welsh are bloody nuts!”

The show was a masterclass in music and showed just how popular Sheeran still is for his legions of fans, young and old.

Judging by his first show at the Principality Stadium, long will this continue. It was a brilliant opener to the Cardiff run – and fans with tickets for the other shows in the capital are in for a treat.