Ed Sheeran has opened up about what it’s like to live in the spotlight – and how it affects his mental health.
“I have social anxiety. I don’t like large groups of people, which is ironic given I play shows to thousands of people,” he explained. "I feel claustrophobic and I don’t like being around many people. I have no problem with talking to people. But it’s when people film me and stare at me. It makes me feel weird.”
In an interview with Charlamagne tha God, Sheeran admitted his global fame has made him feel like he’s not human.
“If you want to come up to me and have a conversation with me, even if we’ve never met, just come up,” the singer said. “But what instantly cuts me off is that you’re having a moment with them which is so genuine and so nice and then at the end they ask for a picture.”
Sheeran admitted he is thinking about his future. “Something has to give. I’m starting a life with Cherry and I can’t spend the next 20 years on the road,” he said, referring to his wife.
“Kids would be the different thing. I wouldn’t mind sacrificing for them. If someone told me ‘you can’t tour again for the next 10 years if you have kids’ that is fine, because that is what I have signed up for.
“I’ve already achieved more than I thought I would, so now I’m just trying to have fun.”