Ed Sheeran Launches 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ in New Zealand, Declares “Deep, Deep Love” for the Country
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New Zealand welcomed Ed Sheeran as the launchpad for his highly anticipated 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ on Friday night, with the global superstar expressing a profound connection to the nation and its people. The performance at Go Media Stadium in Auckland marked the beginning of a series of stadium shows across the globe, and Sheeran made it clear that New Zealand held a special place in his heart.
A Warm Welcome Back to Aotearoa
Approximately 40,000 fans packed Go Media Stadium for the opening night, the first of two Auckland performances before Sheeran heads to Wellington and Christchurch later this month. The “Shape of You” singer directly addressed the enthusiastic crowd, stating he has a “deep, deep love” for New Zealand. “When you start a tour somewhere, you get to spend an extended period of time there,” Sheeran explained. “I couldn’t think of a better place in the world to spend a month of my life. I love it.”
This tour, supporting Sheeran’s latest album Play, represents his sixth visit to New Zealand, following a previous appearance in 2023 for his ‘Mathematics Tour.’ The concert also debuted a groundbreaking feature for Go Media Stadium: a large, circular stage complemented by what organizers hailed as “the largest video screen ever constructed in New Zealand for a concert.”
A Three-Hour Setlist Spanning a Decade of Hits
Fans were treated to a comprehensive, three-hour performance featuring many of Sheeran’s chart-topping hits. The show commenced with the songs “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You” and his recent single, “Sapphire.” Throughout the evening, Sheeran showcased tracks from his extensive eight-album discography, including beloved anthems like “Castle On The Hill,” “The A Team,” “Galway Girl,” and “Photograph.”
During the middle portion of the concert, Sheeran transitioned to a B-Stage for an intimate acoustic set. He performed stripped-down versions of “Thinking Out Loud,” “Perfect,” “I See Fire,” and a medley of songs penned by himself. The evening culminated with energetic renditions of “Azizam” and “Bad Habits,” as Sheeran bid farewell to the Auckland crowd, promising to “see you tomorrow” for his second show.
Beyond the Music: A Kiwi Connection
Sheeran’s affinity for New Zealand extends beyond his musical performances. He has previously made memorable appearances in the country, including a cameo role on the popular television drama Shortland Street in 2014 and surprise visits to Auckland intermediate schools in 2023.
The ‘Loop Tour’ will continue with a performance at Sky Stadium in Wellington on January 21, followed by two shows at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on January 24 and 25.
