Subtract Tour Review 8/18/23
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Ahead of his stadium show at Empower Field at Mile High, the much-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran, graced the stage of the Paramount for an unforgettable theater show. As the city's vibrant energy meets Ed Sheeran's magnetic melodies, the stage was set for a night that promised to linger in the hearts of attendees.
With his latest album "Subtract" creating waves of anticipation across the music scene, Ed Sheeran's live performance in Denver was a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of his sound up close and personal. From the soulful tones of his earlier hits to the fresh notes of his new album, this evening is a celebration of musical craftsmanship and artistic growth.
Sheeran, armed with his guitar and boundless talent, took us on a journey through his remarkable musical career, focusing on the themes of grief and heartbreak from his latest album. The Paramount theater, a venue steeped in history and charm, was the perfect backdrop for an intimate and immersive experience that promises to be nothing short of magical.
At the show, attendees were treated to the exceptional privilege of immersing themselves in the entirety of 'Subtract.' Ed Sheeran deviated from his customary solo, loop pedal-driven performance style, opting instead to collaborate with a live band and string ensemble. A remarkable facet of the evening was Sheeran's practice of taking a moment after each song to delve into the meaning and genesis of the track, bestowing the audience with an enriched and profound concert experience.
This collection of songs was playfully labeled as the 'sad hour' by the artist himself, prompting the entire audience to assume their seats in hushed anticipation as the album unfolded. It was a departure from the norm for me, as most concerts I've attended in the past have been characterized by lively energy and crowd enthusiasm. However, this distinctiveness held a charm of its own. I found myself relishing the chance to sit back and quietly immerse myself in the music, especially since I had only listened to the album once prior to the performance. This reflective ambiance granted a fresh lens through which I could engage with each track on the list—an experience that will undoubtedly add depth to my future listens.
Following was another set of songs deemed “happy hour” to which everyone was invited to stand from their seats and sing along to many of the songs we were all familiar with. For this act, Sheeran brought in his famous loop-pedal approach to live music that fans of his are all so used to. Songs here included singles Bad Habits, Thinking Out Loud, Shivers, Perfect, and Shape of You.
As an additional surprise, Sheeran treated the audience to a rendition of six tracks from his upcoming album 'Autumn Variations.' While there were typically 3 songs from the album played at these theater shows, the Denver show proved to be an exception, as Sheeran generously unveiled an additional trio of songs in their inaugural live performance. During this segment of the show, Sheeran courteously requested that attendees stow away their phones and embrace a moment of quiet receptivity. Although a few individuals missed the memo (promptly attended to by diligent security), the majority of the audience enthusiastically heeded his plea, watching in rapt attention.
In a sublime finale, Sheeran concluded the performance with a captivatingly a cappella rendition of 'Parting Glass' followed by 'Afterglow.' In a beautifully orchestrated moment, Sheeran urged the crowd to maintain silence until the very final notes of the performance.
Whether you've been a devoted fan since his early days or you're new to the enchanting world of Ed Sheeran's music, this theater show was a chance to revel in the presence of a true modern musical icon.
