Ed Sheeran’s “Old Phone” Music Video: A Nostalgic Ode to Ipswich and its People
Ed Sheeran has just released his latest music video, "Old Phone," and it's more than just a song; it's a heartfelt tribute to the town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and the stories of its residents. The video, which premiered recently, has already captured the attention of fans worldwide, offering a poignant glimpse into themes of nostalgia, remembrance, and community.
The concept behind "Old Phone" is deeply personal to Sheeran. As he explains at the start of the video, the song revolves around “finding my old phone” and rediscovering text messages from people no longer present in his life. This idea translates beautifully into a visual and auditory experience, weaving together Sheeran's performance with the heartfelt stories of everyday people.
To bring his vision to life, Sheeran embarked on a unique project: building a pop-up pub in Ipswich called "The Old Phone Pub." This wasn't just any promotional stunt; it was an immersive experience designed to connect with the community and gather personal narratives. Sheeran invited fans to share meaningful messages or videos from their old phones for a chance to be featured in the music video and attend a special performance.
The response was overwhelming. Fans submitted stories of love, loss, and resilience. One woman shared a video of her daughters, two of five, with the emotional acknowledgement that the other three were “on the other side of heaven.” Another young woman submitted a video of her and her friends playing in the snow shortly after a breakup, declaring she was now “happy.” A man shared a cherished memory of dancing with his grandmother at a wedding, expressing how much he missed her.
These raw and emotional clips were projected onto the side of Ipswich Ale Brewery, creating a powerful backdrop for Sheeran's performance. The video captures Sheeran interacting with the individuals behind these stories, creating a deeply intimate and moving experience for both the participants and viewers. According to Sheeran, the goal was to make the atmosphere feel like the song itself: “raw, stripped back, emotional, nostalgic, and special.”
WCVB coverage and other local news footage are also woven into the video, further grounding it in the reality of the Ipswich community. Sheeran himself expressed his gratitude to the town, describing the experience as “really magical, maybe my favourite music video I’ve ever made.” He thanked Emil Nava, the music video director, and the people of Ipswich for making him feel so welcome.
The video also features Sheeran performing his hit song “Galway Girl” at The Dubliner pub on St. Patrick’s Day, adding another layer of authenticity and connection to the local scene. The pop-up pub became the “hottest news item in Massachusetts” as word spread about the singer's initiative. The project was started with a secretive website by Sheeran, where he asked fans to text over memorable media to be part of the experience.
With "Old Phone," Ed Sheeran has crafted a music video that transcends mere entertainment. It's a moving reflection on the power of memories, the importance of human connection, and the beauty of small-town communities. It leaves us to ponder what treasured memories lie dormant on our own old phones, waiting to be rediscovered. What message would you send if you could revisit your past?
Watch the video now and share your thoughts in the comments below!