Filipino folk-pop sensation Ben&Ben recently reunited with global superstar Ed Sheeran at the OFFLIMITS Music Festival in Abu Dhabi, adding another heartwarming chapter to their growing friendship.
“We felt so lucky to meet Ed Sheeran again,” shared Ben&Ben’s Paolo Guico. “More than his once-in-a-generation talent and incredible musicality, what always stands out is how warm and genuine he is with everyone he meets—including us.”
Ed fondly recalled performing for Filipino fans and even remembered their previous meeting in Manila. “It’s such an honor to be able to exchange stories with him again,” Paolo added. “We wish Ed all the best with his new album, Play.”
The band also playfully shared a behind-the-scenes detail: “Mabango siya [Ed smelled good]!”—a lighthearted note that reflected their admiration for his effortless charm and friendly energy.
Ben&Ben shared the Etihad Park stage on April 26 with international acts including Kaiser Chiefs, OneRepublic, and of course, Ed Sheeran himself. A cheerful backstage photo captured their reunion and the joy of the moment.
Ahead of the festival, Ben&Ben posted a heartfelt cover of Ed’s latest track “Azizam,” which caught the attention of fans—and Ed himself. The British singer-songwriter shared their rendition on his Instagram Story, bringing a wave of new admirers to the Filipino band’s social media pages.
This recent meet-up follows their memorable collaboration on March 9, 2024, when Ben&Ben performed as a special guest during Sheeran’s + – = ÷ x Tour at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Manila. The band reminisced on X (formerly Twitter), summarizing the experience in a few joyful points:
- We met Ed Sheeran.
- We did karaoke with him.
- We performed on his iconic round stage.
- Our frontmen sang Maybe The Night with Ed and his amazing band.
Ed Sheeran is now entering a bold new era with the release of his latest single, “Old Phone,” which dropped on May 1, 2025. He first previewed the emotional track with a live snippet on Instagram, building excitement ahead of its release on major streaming platforms.
This single marks the beginning of his new album, Play, slated for release on September 12, 2025. Departing from his iconic Mathematics series, Play explores new sonic landscapes—blending Indian, Persian, and Irish folk influences—while staying rooted in the heartfelt acoustic storytelling that fans adore. Written and recorded across the world and completed in Goa, the album reflects Sheeran’s journey through emotional healing and creative renewal.
OUT NOW
🎵 “Old Phone” — Released May 1, 2025
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music
COMING SOON
🎶 Play — New Album Out September 12, 2025
Pre-order now
