[AS PUBLISHED IN MALAY MAIL]
THE biggest compliment you can pay Ed Sheeran, despite his ever-swelling popularity, is that he is not Perfect.
The current chart-topping single appeared aptly named as he soaked up the love when he stopped by Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday as part of the Asian leg of his Divide tour.
“I think I’m just as much loved as I am hated.
“There is no in-between and it’s good not to focus on either. Those extremes can send you mad.”
The statement is a reflection of the 26-year-old singer-songwriter in the peak of his career.
This compared to his pre-Sheerios days when he was homeless in London, often sleeping on the London Underground trains, couch surfing with friends and even spending night under an arch outside Buckingham Palace that had a heating duct.
He busked after finishing music college but the release of his debut album in 2011 eventually led him to perform for Queen Elizabeth II the following year at the palace.
His third studio album Divide guarantees wherever Sheeran lands armed only with acoustic guitar and loop pedal, Edmania will follow.
He is the most atypical popstar — moon-faced, casually clothed often with unkempt facial hair — but an affable personality that makes him one of the best-loved musicians on the planet.
Just one small display of his reserved character won over his 12,000-strong audience at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
He digressed on feeling too anxious to dance or sing even at the concerts he enjoys, unlike crowds who chant from the bottom of their hearts at each of his shows.
“I just stand there like that,” he said, to the amused reaction of his aimless, blank-faced expression.
“At the back of my mind I always feel like somebody’s watching me.”
In an interview with the Malaysian press, the Grammy award-winning Suffolk lad remains relatable and refreshingly honest.
He responded to advice he would give his younger self: “I wouldn’t say anything. If I’ve messed up (in life), I’ve learnt from it anyway.”
In a world where your songs are guaranteed endless airplay: “The first time you hear it on the radio — wonderful.
“But when Shape of You comes on now, I have to turn it down. I’ve heard it so many times, like everyone has.”
Unchallenged, he went on the defensive over the direction of his music: “I’m not a music snob. I like pop music so I’ll make pop music.
“I won’t make one of those cool alternative records that only five people listen to.”
Luckily for Sheeran, lover of life’s simpler pleasures ―pizza, beer and Lord of the Rings ― fans adore him for the easygoing songcraft.
He can be found in his element rapping on stage with a trusty six string, verses about getting drunk and craving sex in catchy Sing or bemoaning stardom in Eraser.
What stands out most about the introspective artiste, is a determination to succeed and keep fans happy.
During his overnight sensation phase in 2011, he caused more than 1,000 supporters to descend on Camden Barfly in London with an impromptu free gig announcement on social media.
The venue, which could only house 200, was overran by fans.
Last month faced with predicament of a broken arm and tour dates to fill, he proved the same eagerness to entertain.
“The (right) arm aches after I’ve finished a show but in the morning it’s fine.
“I came back to play concerts a bit early. It’s not properly healed yet.”
In Sheeran, followers find something special to them, the same way he sings about a new flame in Perfect.
He said it is his favourite song, and the first he wrote for the album.
“I don’t sound like Michael Buble or Frank Sinatra but I love the crooner stuff.
“I wanted something with a bit more.
“It’s a song I can imagine Buble singing.”
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