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Ed Sheeran Lets Fans Shape 'Loop' Tour Setlist via Text

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 6:19 GMT by NME
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 7th, 2026 - Ed Sheeran is taking a novel approach to crafting the setlist for his highly anticipated 2026 'Loop' tour, directly involving his fanbase in the creative process. The globally renowned singer-songwriter announced this week that he's soliciting song recommendations via text message, promising to incorporate suggestions that haven't graced his live performances in some time, or perhaps never have.

In a post to his official Instagram account, Sheeran detailed the initiative. "Right, so my team are putting together the 'Loop' tour setlist, which is obviously gonna be all my favourite songs, and songs that I love playing live," he explained to his millions of followers. "But I'd love to know what songs you guys want to hear. So text [a number] with your recommendations! If it's a song I haven't played in a while, or never played, I'll try and get it in the show."

This move is a significant departure from the traditional top-down approach to concert planning, where artists and their teams dictate the experience. While setlists are often informed by fan demand - gauging popularity through streaming numbers and social media engagement - directly asking for suggestions and explicitly promising to consider them represents a new level of artist-fan interaction. It's a bold move, but one that aligns with Sheeran's already established reputation for accessibility and genuine connection with his audience.

The 'Loop' tour is set to commence in May 2026, encompassing a wide swathe of Europe and Oceania. Tickets went on sale late last year and have reportedly been flying, indicating a strong demand to see Sheeran perform live. The promise of a fan-influenced setlist is likely to further fuel excitement.

Why this collaborative approach?

Music industry analysts suggest Sheeran's strategy is a multi-faceted one. Primarily, it's a brilliant publicity stunt, generating significant buzz and engagement across social media platforms. The simple act of asking fans to text a number creates an immediate and direct line of communication, fostering a sense of ownership and anticipation. It's also a clever way to gather data on which of his deep cuts remain popular and beloved. While hits are guaranteed to feature, knowing which lesser-known tracks resonate with fans allows Sheeran to curate a more nuanced and satisfying experience for longtime listeners.

Beyond the marketing benefits, the initiative taps into the current zeitgeist of co-creation. Fans increasingly desire to be more than just passive consumers of entertainment; they want to be active participants. Artists who acknowledge and embrace this shift are more likely to forge lasting connections with their audiences. Think of bands who let fans vote on which songs to perform at specific shows, or artists who solicit lyrical suggestions for new tracks. Sheeran's approach is a streamlined, modern iteration of this trend.

'Subtract' and Beyond

The announcement comes on the heels of the release of 'Eyes Closed', the latest single from Sheeran's critically acclaimed album, 'Subtract'. 'Subtract' is described as a deeply personal and introspective work, exploring themes of loss, healing, and resilience. The album has been praised for its raw honesty and stripped-down production, showcasing Sheeran's songwriting prowess in a new light. While 'Eyes Closed' is likely to be a staple of the 'Loop' tour, fans are eagerly anticipating whether Sheeran will delve further into the 'Subtract' catalog, or revisit earlier material based on their submitted recommendations.

It remains to be seen precisely how many fan requests will make it into the final setlist. However, Sheeran's commitment to considering them is a significant gesture. The 'Loop' tour is shaping up to be more than just a concert series; it's a conversation between an artist and his fanbase, a shared creation built on mutual respect and appreciation. Fans are encouraged to send their recommendations now - the deadline for submissions is currently unspecified, but is expected to be announced shortly.