Ed Sheeran revealed on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show that he was once offered a first-flight gig in space, but he declined to protect his family. The 34-year-old singer joined the radio host to discuss his forthcoming album Play, Lewis Capaldi’s return to touring, and his move to America for an upcoming trek.
There was talk about doing a first gig in space, he said, but it terrifies him. 'There was talk about doing a first gig in space, I’m sure lots of people got this email, but yeah, it terrifies me,' he explained. When pressed whether the offer remains on the table, he replied: 'Aw mate, I ain't doing it - I got kids, like I'm not going to risk that for a Guinness World Record something or other. I'm not going to risk my kid's not having a dad.'
Ed also spoke about his life with his wife Cherry Seaborn, whom he married in 2019. The couple shares two daughters: Lyra, four, and Jupiter, two. He noted there are other places on the planet he'd rather see first, including Greenland, before space travel.
He added that he is moving to America for the next leg of his tour and that Capaldi has returned after a two-year break for mental health reasons. 'I haven’t seen Lewis on tour, but we have been speaking a fair bit. I'm really happy for him—taking time off was the best thing for his health. He’s come back into it reinvigorated and really loving it again.'
The interview followed a separate Spotify event in London, where Ed performed an impromptu version of Camera ahead of a listening event for Play. He also spoke about the balance of his life, noting a shift from a 100 percent focus on work to about 70 percent family and 30 percent music. He described writing songs about real conflict as well as love and friendship. He mentioned a new track for Cherry, inspired by the Bono birthday story.