Back on June 10th, 2010, a then-unknown Ed Sheeran took part in Station Sessions—a grassroots initiative aimed at bringing live music to the heart of busy British train stations. At just 19 years old, Sheeran arrived at London’s bustling St Pancras station with little fanfare and a guitar slung over his shoulder. Humble and self-effacing in a pre-performance interview, he downplayed any dreams of stardom, admitting, “My music isn’t for everyone,” before adding that achieving success would simply make him “a very lucky man.”
Little did he—or anyone watching—know just how dramatically his life was about to change.
Fast forward just over a year, and Sheeran’s debut album + (pronounced “Plus”) hit shelves in September 2011, soaring to number one in the UK and cementing his arrival on the global music scene. But at the time of the St Pancras performance, Ed was still grinding. He had only independently released a handful of EPs, none of which had charted. That performance in the station concourse wasn’t just another gig—it was a pivotal moment where his music reached ears outside the London pub circuit.
The set opened with a haunting rendition of the 19th-century spiritual “Wayfaring Stranger,” delivered with maturity far beyond his years. Sheeran then chatted with a nearby interviewer, explaining his fascination with loop pedals—a tool that would soon become a hallmark of his live act. The real magic came in how he blurred genres, effortlessly gliding from tender folk ballads to sharp, rhythmic verses steeped in rap influences. He even invited the modest crowd to participate, encouraging singalongs and forming a tight circle for an unplugged number. This early glimpse showcased the charisma and musical versatility that would later define his stadium shows.
Fast forward to 2017, and Sheeran—now a household name—briefly returned to his street performance roots. In a spontaneous busking session, he stunned passersby by casually breaking into “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” on a London street. This time, however, things were different. The crowd that gathered wasn’t skeptical or uninterested—they were starstruck, instantly recognizing the global superstar in front of them. His third album Divide was just about to drop and would go on to become the top-selling album worldwide that year.
Despite the meteoric rise, there was a striking continuity between the fresh-faced teen of 2010 and the seasoned hitmaker of 2017. His joy in performing live, particularly in raw, intimate spaces, hadn’t diminished. The difference now? Every fan in the crowd already knew the lyrics by heart.
Ed Sheeran’s musical journey—from echoing train stations to sold-out arenas—stands as a testament to authenticity, hustle, and a love for the craft that never fades. And if those surprise busking sessions are anything to go by, we haven’t seen the last of Ed Sheeran on the street corner yet.
