Ed Sheeran surprises fans with a heartfelt performance of “Old Phone,” a song born from his $100M copyright trial turmoil. Watch the debut video, read his candid quotes, and explore how the case reshaped his music.
Ed Sheeran Debuts “Old Phone,” a Raw Ballad Born from Copyright Trial Anguish
Liverpool, UK — During a surprise appearance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Ed Sheeran unveiled “Old Phone,” an emotionally charged new track inspired by the legal and personal turmoil of his high-stakes $100M copyright trial over “Thinking Out Loud.” The song, performed live for the first time, delves into the singer’s vulnerability as he revisited a decade-old phone during the lawsuit—a moment he described as “like looking into the past”.
The Lawsuit That Shaped the Song
Sheeran’s 2023 trial centered on allegations that “Thinking Out Loud” copied Marvin Gaye’s 1973 classic “Let’s Get It On.” A jury ultimately cleared him, but the process left deep scars. “The judge ordered me to give up my old devices… It was conversations with people who’d passed away, arguments with an ex—things I hadn’t seen in 10 years,” Sheeran told the Liverpool crowd, his voice cracking.
The trial’s emotional weight was palpable. Sheeran testified that he’d quit music if found guilty, calling the claims “baseless” and warning they threatened creative freedom: “These chords are common building blocks… No one owns them, just like no one owns the color blue” 14. His courtroom guitar mash-up of “Thinking Out Loud” and Gaye’s hit—a viral moment—was dubbed a “smoking gun” by plaintiffs but defended by Sheeran as proof of music’s shared language.
Fan and Critical Reactions
The debut of “Old Phone” sparked immediate buzz. A festivalgoer told MailOnline: “The crowd swarmed the stage—you could feel the catharsis” 1. Social media erupted, with fans praising the song’s raw lyrics. One tweeted: “Sheeran turning legal pain into art is why we stan”.
Watch the Performance:
Embedded video link from Daily Mail
Broader Impact on Music and Copyright
The trial’s fallout reignited debates about plagiarism in pop. The Guardian noted the paradox of “punishing inspiration,” comparing Sheeran’s case to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” verdict, which penalized “feel” over direct copying 13. Sheeran’s victory, however, set a precedent: “If we’d lost, creativity would’ve died,” he asserted.
What’s Next for Sheeran?
Rumors suggest “Old Phone” will feature on his upcoming album, possibly titled Play. The singer has teased more introspective work, calling this era “heavy but healing” 6. With over 112K units sold in Subtract’s debut week 15, fans are eager for this next chapter.
Final Thought:
Sheeran’s journey from courtroom to stage underscores art’s power to transform pain. As he strummed “Old Phone” in Liverpool, it wasn’t just a song—it was a testament to resilience.
