Ed Sheeran surprised fans in New York City with an impromptu performance following his recent victory in a copyright trial. Sheeran, who had just released his latest album, made an appearance at the album’s pop-up shop in Soho, where he was met by hundreds of screaming fans.
Sheeran, accompanied by his guitar, climbed atop a nearby car and serenaded the crowd with some of his biggest hits, including “Thinking Out Loud,” the song that was at the center of his recent legal battle. The singer-songwriter performed over six songs while the crowd sang along. Fans shared videos of the mini-concert on social media.
The Copyright Trial
The celebratory performance came just one day after a jury found Sheeran not liable for copyright infringement in a case brought against him by the estate of Ed Townsend, one of Marvin Gaye’s collaborators. The estate claimed that Sheeran “copied and exploited, without authorization or credit” Gaye’s hit song “Let’s Get It On.” They sought $100 million in damages.
The trial lasted for eight years, and the decision came after just three hours of deliberation. Sheeran refuted the claims, arguing that the chord progression in question, 1-3-4-5, is common in pop songs. The jury ruled in favor of Sheeran, protecting “the creative freedom of songwriters.”
After the trial, Sheeran shared a powerful message to his accusers, revealing that he had to miss his late grandmother’s funeral to settle the dispute. The singer-songwriter stated that the disputed chord progression is part of a songwriter’s toolkit and should be available for all to use.
Prior to this case, Sheeran was sued twice for allegedly copying another artist’s work. Both cases were settled out of court.
Sheeran’s impromptu performance in New York City was a celebration of his recent legal victory and a testament to his talent as a musician. Fans were thrilled to see the singer-songwriter perform live and show his appreciation for their support.
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