“Mathematics” add up to a record-breaking Ed Sheeran spectacular in the shape of Soldier Field

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Very few acts can break an attendance record at a stadium the size and global prominence level of Soldier Field, let alone make it feel intimate for all 73,000 attendees, but England’s Ed Sheeran is a once-in-a-generation artist who’s capable of just about anything.

The singer/songwriter is not only a little bit pop, rock, folk and hip-hop rolled into one, but can seamlessly switch between acoustic or electric contexts, either being backed by a band or unplugging by himself and creating ingenious loops on the spot.

At the home of the Chicago Bears and Fire, the locally-themed shirt turned jersey-wearing Sheeran comfortably juggled each of the above on a central stage, physically switching sides or riding a rotating floor to ensure the floor and lower bowl had satisfying sightlines, while guitar pick-shaped screens beamed the action upstairs.

Though the headliner’s latest recordings are 2021’s “=” and this year’s “-,” pronounced “Equals” and “Subtract,” “The Mathematics” Tour actually summed up every numerical era and beyond throughout well over two hours, beginning with backing musicians for the towering “Tides” and “BLOW.”

Sheeran was arguably even more captivating all alone come “I’m A Mess,” “Shivers,” “Castle On The Hill” and “Give Me Love,” to name a few, before inviting the others back for a mega collaborations medley, which culminated with a complete rendition of “Beautiful People” featuring the soulful Khalid, who also served as an enjoyable and engaging support act following burgeoning British indie pop star Cat Burns.

Nonetheless, the picturesque evening belonged to Sheeran, whether it was during “Love Yourself,” his co-write for Justin Bieber, or other personally popularized cuts, such as “Sing,” “Photograph,” “Perfect” and “Afterglow.”

Much of the reason they connected to such dedicated degrees was the troubadour’s relatability, both in expressing his own soul-baring emotions or tapping into outside observations, plus he sure knows how to craft some seriously contagious hooks.

That all reached a peak by possibly the most ubiquitous sing-a-long, “Shape Of You,” along with the banger “Bad Habits” as fireworks flew through the air and signaled Sheeran officially joined the ranks of former tour mate Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and the small handful of other single-named superstars to not only make Soldier Field history, but hold the entire world’s attention.

For additional information on Ed Sheeran, visit EdSheeran.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Soldier Field include Karol G (Sept. 15). For additional details, visit SoldierField.com.