The heartbeat of Melbourne’s music scene is about to sync with a loop pedal. Global superstar Ed Sheeran has officially announced his triumphant return to Australia, culminating in two highly anticipated shows at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, 2026. Dubbed the Loop Tour, this monumental event marks Sheeran’s first Australian run since his record-shattering 2023 Mathematics Tour and promises an electrifying fusion of new music, technological innovation, and heartfelt nostalgia.
Why Melbourne? A City Embedded in Sheeran’s Legacy
For Sheeran, Melbourne isn’t just another tour stop—it’s hallowed ground. In March 2023, he made history at the MCG, performing for 217,500 fans across two nights—the largest concert attendance ever recorded in Australia. This time, he trades the cricket grounds for the state-of-the-art Marvel Stadium, a fitting venue for a tour that blends intimacy with spectacle.
But beyond numbers, Melbourne symbolizes Sheeran’s profound connection to Australia. As he revealed in a virtual press conference from London’s Bertie Blossoms pub (simulcast to Sydney’s transformed “Old Phone Pub”):
“The first place I was accepted as a musician outside the UK was Australia. It’s where my international career began. Every time I come, it feels like a holiday—I lose my voice on day one from going out all night!”
Melbourne also holds emotional weight for Sheeran. His 2023 MCG performance honored late music promoter Michael Gudinski, a mentor and friend. While the Loop Tour will stand on its own, Sheeran confirmed he’ll privately visit Gudinski’s and cricketer Shane Warne’s families during his stay.
The Loop Tour: Back to Basics, Forward in Innovation
The tour’s name isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a philosophical reset. After years of increasingly complex stadium productions, Sheeran is returning to the tool that defined his rise: the loop pedal.
“The pedal has expanded… it’s like a loop pedal on steroids now,” Sheeran explained. “I felt I’d lost sight of what made live shows great. This tour is about stripping back while still delivering surprises.” Expect a “new stage, new tricks, new set, new songs, and all the classics.”
The setup will showcase:
- Solo Loop Mastery: Sheeran building songs layer-by-layer in real time.
- New Visual Technology: Dynamic projections synced to loop sequences.
- Cultural Fusion: Incorporation of Indian/Persian instruments and melodies heard on his new album Play (out Sept 12, 2025).
- Local Collaborations: Potential appearances with First Nations artists, aligning with Sheeran’s goal to “soak up local culture and music.”
Ticket Guide: Your Key to the Loop Experience
⚡ Key Dates & Prices:
- Telstra Plus Pre-sale: Fri, July 25, 1pm AEST (48 hours)
- Frontier Members Pre-sale: Mon, July 28, 2pm AEST (24 hours)
- General Public Sale: Tue, July 29, 3pm AEST
Pricing Tiers (AUD):Pricing Tiers (AUD):
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Front GA Standing | $249.90 |
| Rear GA Standing | $199.90 |
| A Reserve Seating | $249.90 |
| B Reserve Seating | $199.90 |
| C Reserve Seating | $149.90 |
| D Reserve Seating | $109.90 |
Plus per-order fees: $9.90 (Marvel Stadium)
🛡️ Critical Entry Rules:
- Digital-Only Tickets: Accessible ONLY via the Ticketmaster app (no printouts).
- Lead Booker Policy: The ticket purchaser MUST attend and present photo ID matching the booking name.
- Anti-Scalping Measures: Resale is restricted to Ticketmaster Marketplace (launching closer to the event).
Pro Tips for Securing Tickets:
- Verify Your Ticketmaster Account: Ensure your mobile number is updated for multi-factor authentication.
- Use One Device: Multiple browsers/tabs may trigger bot protections.
- Pre-Authorize Payment: Notify your bank to avoid card declines.
- Accessible Tickets: Call 1300 446 925 or submit a request via Ticketmaster Help.
Play: The Album Fueling the Tour
Play, Sheeran’s September 12 album release, serves as the tour’s backbone. Described as “an explorative, technicolour pop album capturing fun, chaos, and reinvigoration,” it’s influenced by global travels—particularly Indian/Persian melodies interwoven with Irish folk roots.
Singles to Know:
- “Azizam” (Farsi for “my darling”): A Gold-certified, radio-topping hit in Australia.
- “Old Phone”: A nostalgic anthem featured in a pub-themed music video.
- “Sapphire”: An upbeat track showcasing Sheeran’s genre-blending.
Melbourne audiences will be among the first to hear these songs live, alongside classics like “Shape of You” (Apple Music’s most-streamed song of the decade) and “Thinking Out Loud.”
Marvel Stadium: Why It’s the Perfect Venue
Melbourne’s Docklands marvel offers a rare blend for stadium concerts:
- Retractable Roof: Weather-proof comfort for February’s unpredictable climate.
- Intimate Design: Steep stands ensure closer sightlines than open-air grounds.
- GA Floor Access: Front/Rear standing areas for immersive experiences.
Age Policy: All ages welcome, but under-13s require a parent/guardian. GA areas are recommended for ages 15+ due to standing crowds.
The Bigger Picture: Sheeran’s Australian Love Affair
Sheeran’s Loop Tour kicks off in Australasia—a testament to his bond with the region. Having sold 2.5 million tickets across Australia/NZ to date, he holds the record for the highest-selling tour in Australasian history (surpassing Dire Straits’ 1997 run). His decision to begin here, rather than end as in past tours, underscores its significance:
“I’m pumped to kick it off in Aus and NZ. I haven’t started a tour there in a long time.”
Beyond concerts, Sheeran plans school visits through his music foundation, highlighting local talent: “There are areas of Australia creating amazing music.”
Don’t Miss the Moment
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is poised to be a landmark in Melbourne’s 2026 cultural calendar—a blend of technological artistry, cross-cultural resonance, and raw musicality. As tickets prepare to vanish faster than a loop pedal’s echo, preparation is paramount.