Ed Sheeran hasn’t used a phone since 2015—and it inspired his new song "Old Phone"
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Ed Sheeran has revealed that he hasn’t used a cellphone since 2015, a decision that ultimately inspired his new song "Old Phone." The four-time Grammy winner discussed his long-standing phone-free lifestyle during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 26.
Sheeran explained that he stopped using his phone after becoming entangled in a copyright infringement lawsuit over his hit song "Thinking Out Loud." As part of the legal proceedings, he was required to surrender his phone as evidence. Even though he won the case in 2023, he never returned to using a phone and instead switched to a tablet for communication.
"When I finally turned it back on, I was hit with a wave of messages," Sheeran shared. "The first was from a friend who had passed away the year before. The second was an argument with an ex, the third from a family member I hadn’t spoken to in 10 years, and the fourth was another friend who had died." The emotional experience of rediscovering these old messages led him to write "Old Phone," a song that reflects on both nostalgic memories and everyday frustrations—from lost connections to struggles like remembering passwords.
To bring the concept of the song to life, Sheeran has also opened a pop-up pub called "Old Phone" in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The pub, open for two days (March 28-29), encourages guests to bring an old phone and find a meaningful message, voicemail, or video, which will then be projected onto the pub's walls. Adding to the nostalgic experience, the pub will serve a simple menu featuring Guinness and tater tots.
Through this unique project, Sheeran is not just sharing a song but creating an immersive experience that allows fans to connect with the emotions behind it.