In a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Ed Sheeran, 34, shared insights about his enduring friendship with Taylor Swift, 35, stating, “I see her when I see her… I probably see her, like, four times a year.” The two friends enjoy “proper sit down, six-hour catch-ups”, which Sheeran finds to be a delightful way to reconnect.
The Origins of Their Friendship
Sheeran’s friendship with Swift blossomed in 2012, following their collaboration on the song “Everything Has Changed” from her album Red. Shortly after, Sheeran joined Swift on her Red Tour, which remains one of his favorite memories. Recalling that time, he noted, “I lived in Nashville, and she lived in Nashville. And we used to fly to and from the gigs together and do all sorts of [stuff].” He emphasized how he spent nearly every day with her for about six months, creating lasting memories.
Revisiting the Past and Its Impact
Recently, Sheeran looked back on their friendship while involved in lengthy legal proceedings. He mentioned, “I was in these court cases for, like, two years… I had to go through all my old devices to give [the lawyers] voice notes and blah, blah, blah.” This process of sorting through old texts was quite nostalgic for him.
In a separate interview with Jimmy Fallon, Sheeran discussed being involved in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning his song “Thinking Out Loud.” He revealed that he hasn’t used a cell phone since 2015; instead, he transitioned to a tablet. During the legal process, he turned on his old phone after years and experienced a wave of memories. The first messages he encountered included texts from a friend who had passed away and thoughts from significant moments in his past, which left him feeling quite overwhelmed.
Inspiration for “Old Phone”
This emotional experience served as the catalyst for his latest single, “Old Phone.” He described the day of revisiting his old phone as resembling a “time machine”. With an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, he started writing, noting in his files, “I found my old phone today,” which ultimately led him to create the song.
Through these reflections, Ed Sheeran offers a poignant glimpse into his personal and professional life, showcasing how past experiences shape his music and relationships.
