Photos: Ed Sheeran’s Epic New Orleans Jazz Fest Set Ends with a Climatic Downpour

Ed Sheeran performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage on April 29, 2023 (Photo by John Garcia/The Pelican Star).

Yesterday, Ed Sheeran headlined the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with a performance that was perfectly in tune with the unpredictable weather. As if on cue, the rain that had drenched the festival all day came to a stop just before Sheeran took the stage. The timing couldn’t have been better, as fans were treated to a hit-packed setlist featuring tracks like “Castle on the Hill,” “Shape of You,” and “Thinking Out Loud.”

Jazz Fest, known for celebrating the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, provided the ideal backdrop for Sheeran’s unique style. A mix of pop, folk, and soul, Sheeran’s sound fit seamlessly with the festival’s blend of genres, which typically features everything from jazz and blues to zydeco and gospel.

As the show progressed, Sheeran’s blend of acoustic storytelling and high-energy pop kept the crowd engaged, but it was the dramatic closer that truly made the night unforgettable. Just as Sheeran launched into his final song, “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,” the rain returned, pouring down on the crowd and adding a cinematic touch to the performance. The weather, mirroring the intensity of Sheeran’s closing number, turned the moment into a memorable spectacle for everyone in attendance.

This headlining performance at Jazz Fest foreshadowed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour across the U.S., which kicked off soon after. Known for his incredible live shows, where Sheeran often plays solo using loop pedals to build his sound, fans left the festival knowing they had witnessed something special—an artist at the height of his powers, with nature adding its own dramatic flair to the night.