Ed Sheeran reveals heartbreak, loneliness and depression inspired emotional surprise album
ED SHEERAN is taking a leaf out of pal Taylor Swift’s book by releasing a new album just four months after his last one
The British superstar, who only put out Subtract in May, has announced his next record, called Autumn Variations, will be available in September.
Just like his hit single Castle On The Hill, the record is all about his mates, who have the honour of knowing each of the 14 tracks is inspired by one of them.
Monumental year
It’s likely one tune will be a tribute to late music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, Ed’s close friend whose 33rd birthday would have been yesterday.
Ed got the idea for the theme from a surprising source — classical composer Edward Elgar.
In a video revealing the project on Instagram last night, Ed said: “The sun is shining but the autumn is coming.
“I have an announcement. I have an album that I’ve made called Autumn Variations
“This is a record that I was sort of making at the same time as Subtract. It’s what me and Aaron [Dessner] went in originally to make. Elgar has this thing called the Enigma Variations, where he did 14 songs about 14 friends.
“So I wanted to make 14 songs about 14 friends and base it on autumn.
“I find that autumn is a season with a lot of change.
“People are getting out of relationships, getting into relationships, being very lonely . . .
“I just found my friends and me were all going through different things in autumn and I thought it would be an interesting subject to write about.”
I first told earlier this month how Ed was on the brink of dropping something new on his Gingerbread Man Records label, which Maisie Peters is also signed to.
He added: “This is my first album I’m putting out on my own label. I have zero expectations for this record.
“It’s out on September 29. You can preorder it right now, I hope you love it.”
England, Amazing, Plastic Bag and Punchline are among titles of songs on the album.
And there is even one called Midnight, which fans reckon might have something to do with Taylor following the release of her album Midnights last October.
It will cap off a monumental year for Ed, which marked not just the release of his sixth No1 album Subtract, but also saw him performing across Australia and North America on his Mathematics Tour – and scoring a No1 with the single Eyes Closed.
After 12 years in the charts, Ed has sold more than 150million records worldwide.
With another album just around the corner, millions more will be flying off the shelves in no time.
Comic Kev in wheelchair
KEVIN Hart has landed himself in a wheelchair after injuring himself during a race at a barbecue.
The comic admitted he had tried to outdo himself during the sprint with ex-NFL player Stevan Ridley and is now paying the price.
In a video shared on Instagram, in which he referred to himself as the “dumbest man alive”.
He said: “I’m in a wheelchair. Why? Well, I tried to jump out there and do some young stuff. This debate was based off who’s faster. Those that know me know, I’m pretty fast. Stevan said, ‘Kevin, ain’t no way you’re gonna beat me.’”
Kevin, 44, added: “I blew all my s**t. I tore my lower abdomen. I can’t walk.
“To all my men and women out there that are 40 years old and above. It’s not a game, respect that age.”
Messi outcome
COLOMBIAN rapper Maluma has hit it off with another South American superstar, Lionel Messi.
He looked suave as he posed in a black turtle neck to promote new album Don Juan, which is out today, after getting Argentine football legend Lionel involved in his new video.
I’m told they struck up a friendship earlier this year in Miami, where Lionel now plays.
That led to his appearance in Maluma’s video for Trofeo, which will be released later today.
They’re both at the top of their game.
She’s a West End whirl
FRANKIE Bridge made quite an impression after coming off stage in London’s West End.
The former Saturday’s pop star, right, wore a sheer red and black dress after taking to the stage alongside Jaime Winstone in 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Apollo Theatre.
Frankie was drafted in after actress Sophia Bush, playing the role of Lauren, was forced to withdraw.
Despite being used to playing in front of thousands of fans, Frankie admitted she was nervous to step out of her comfort zone, but admitted she was proud she decided to take the leap into acting.
She said: “I think the fact that I took on this play speaks volumes as to how far I’ve come in confidence and being able to throw myself into uncomfortable and new situations.”
From what I’ve been told, Frankie is a natural on stage.
And given she has shrugged off talk of a Saturdays reunion, I can imagine a career treading the boards beckons.
Pup star Christina pens hit
CHRISTINA Aguilera has a paw-fect new track for fans of all ages.
I can reveal the singer has signed up to be on the soundtrack for hit kids’ animation Paw Patrol 2.
The film is due out on October 13, although the Dirrty hitmaker’s single is expected to be released at the start of next month.
Throughout her career, Christina has appeared on many film records, from Disney’s Mulan to racy flick Burlesque with Cher.
Tunes from those movies have become fan favourites, but only time will tell if this family friendly number can live up to those.
Given she is known for having plenty of saucy songs, I hope she has kept herself on a tight leash when writing for a children’s movie.