Ed Sheeran surprises fans at with performance at Sydney RSL ahead of sold-out stadium tour

Pub-goers at Sydney's Paddington RSL were treated to the surprise of their lives, after none other than star singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran emerged for a guest performance.

The Shape of You singer showed up at the intimate gig as support for Irish folk band Beoga – the group who masterminded the traditional Irish sound featured in Sheeran's 2017 smash hit Galway Girl.

The ensemble is currently in Australia as the supporting act for Sheeran's ongoing stadium tour – but took a short detour to the 'Paddo' for their own headline show this week.

Watch the video above.

Midway through the band's set, Sheeran emerged from the wings – acoustic guitar in hand – to raucous applause from the room of delighted fans.

"What an awesome surprise," one envious fan commented on a Tiktok posted of the singer's performance.

Sheeran kept it casual for the cameo, wearing his now-signature hoodie and jeans combo, and appearing to remain low-profile prior to taking up the mic on-stage.

Sheeran and Beoga reportedly went on to perform a high-energy set of their collaborations, which included hits Galway Girl, Nancy Mulligan and Old Phone – a featured track from his brand-new album, Play.

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The performance was a welcome throwback to the artist's early days as a budding musician, during which he often busked and played small rooms as he attempted to build a fanbase.

These humble beginnings were in stark contrast to the 80,000 plus fans he's set to be performing for in his upcoming show at Sydney Olympic Park.

This surprise appearance officially kicks off the Loop Tour's Sydney leg, which is set to take over Accor Stadium for three consecutive nights.

So fans set to attend the stadium shows – or ones unable to get their hand on tickets in time – should keep their eyes peeled for additional Loop Tour side-shows in the coming days.

This performance is just the latest in a series of other unexpected appearances from the star.

Just last year, Ed stunned patrons at The Dubliner in Boston with a surprise rendition of Galway Girl – once again alongside Beoga.

Also in 2025, To celebrate the release of single Old Phone, Ed took over The Thomas Wolsey pub in Ipswich, renaming it 'The Old Phone' for two weeks and playing an unannounced set to delighted locals.

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