Ed Sheeran Has Not Used His Cellphone Since 2015

Ed Sheeran, the talented singer-songwriter, made a surprising revelation on a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He shared that he hasn’t used his cellphone since 2015, and turning it back on inspired his new song, “Old Phone.”

The reason behind Sheeran’s cellphone hiatus dates back to a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning his hit song “Thinking Out Loud.” In 2023, he was cleared of any wrongdoing, but as part of the lawsuit, he had to surrender all his old devices. This led him to switch off his phone in 2015 and rely solely on a tablet for communication via email.

After the lawsuit concluded, Sheeran retrieved his phone and decided to turn it on. The flood of notifications that followed took him on a trip down memory lane. Each notification brought back different moments from his past, from messages from deceased friends to arguments with ex-girlfriends and long-lost family members he hadn’t spoken to in years.

The emotional impact of revisiting these messages inspired Sheeran to write the song “Old Phone.” He described the experience as akin to stepping into a time machine, with each text message evoking powerful memories. The song delves into both poignant moments, such as conversations with deceased friends, and more mundane frustrations like forgetting passcodes.

The title of the song, “Old Phone,” has also inspired a unique concept for a pop-up pub that Sheeran plans to open in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The pub will be open for two days and will require guests to find a meaningful message or video on their old phones to gain entry. These messages and videos will be projected onto the walls of the pub, creating a nostalgic and personal atmosphere.

Sheeran teased that the pub will serve traditional fare like Guinness and tater tots, promising a cool and unique experience for fans. The Old Phone pub is set to open on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, with the construction process documented in the music video for the song “Old Phone.”

Overall, Sheeran’s decision to disconnect from his cellphone has not only influenced his music but also sparked creative and innovative ideas for engaging with his fans in a meaningful way. The concept of the Old Phone pub serves as a testament to the power of nostalgia and the importance of cherishing memories in a digital age.