Ed Sheeran Identifies Culturally as Irish Despite English Upbringing

Ed Sheeran identifies culturally as Irish despite being born in England. He shares his fondness for Irish traditions and discusses the challenges of fame, particularly concerning his children’s privacy. Sheeran also expresses his preference for environmentally-friendly travel, opting for trains over private jets.

Ed Sheeran recently chatted with Louis Theroux on his podcast, sharing some interesting bits about his identity. Surprisingly, despite being born and raised in England, Sheeran identifies strongly with Irish culture. The 4-year-old singer, known for hits like “Galway Girl”, mentions having deep roots in Ireland, thanks to his sizable Irish family. His summer holidays were often spent there, sparking a love for music steeped in Irish traditions. “I class my culture as Irish. I think that’s what I grew up with,” he shared during the podcast.

Sheeran reflected on his family dynamics, noting that while his mother’s side is quite small, his father’s side is positively bustling with seven siblings. Holidays in Ireland, filled with traditional music, played a big role in shaping his identity. It’s clear that for him, culture doesn’t come with hard and fast rules. “I don’t think there’s any rules to it. It should be how you feel and how you were raised and what you lean into,” he added.

When pressed on his relationship with Irish fans, he claims Ireland holds a special place in his heart. “I’d say it’s basically my second home musically. I’d say Ireland is the place that I am most successful musically,” he stated, showing appreciation for the support he receives.

Sheeran isn’t shy about discussing the darker sides of fame, particularly concerning his children. He expressed sensitivity over paparazzi photos of his kids, sharing a disconcerting incident when his newborn daughter’s picture was taken. “It was in the paper and I just found it weird that some strange old man that I’d never met was the only person with an image of my kid on their device,” he recalled.

Moreover, he pointed out the absurdity of kids being thrust into the limelight due to their parents’ careers, saying, “my kids have not signed up to that, and I find it weird that it’s normal to take pictures of other people’s children if they’re famous.” Keeping things a bit more down-to-earth, Sheeran revealed that he prefers trains over flashy private jets. Environmental concerns factor into that decision, as he told Theroux, “I like the environment, I like trees. I’d find it hard to justify. No one’s perfect.”

In general, Sheeran seems to have a handle on balancing his fame with family life, bringing a refreshingly human touch to conversations about celebrity culture.

With a wholesome partnership with Cherry Seaborn and two kids, he’s carving out a life that’s filled with meaning rather than excess. So, here’s to Ed Sheeran, the Irish cultural ambassador from England. Who would have thought?

In his conversation with Louis Theroux, Ed Sheeran shares how Irish culture is very much a part of his identity, despite growing up in England. He emphasizes his connection to Ireland both personally and musically, while also delving into the challenges of fame, especially as they pertain to his children’s privacy. Ending on a note of humility, he reveals his preference for train travel over private jets, prioritising the environment and a life grounded in values. The podcast showcases not just a celebrity, but a genuinely relatable individual.

Original Source: www.independent.ie