It’s been nearly three years since Ed Sheeran first entered the charts. Now, he is preparing for a world tour with a second studio album on the way. Here he talks about his plans for 2014, and what brings him back to Suffolk

East Anglian Daily Times: Ed Sheeran inspired young musicians at his former school during a workshop at Thomas Mills High School on Tuesday, 4 February.Ed Sheeran inspired young musicians at his former school during a workshop at Thomas Mills High School on Tuesday, 4 February.

It wasn’t long ago that Ed Sheeran was performing in Suffolk pubs and school concerts.

This week, the 22-year-old was part of a star-studded Beatles tribute gig on American television, performing in front of Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and George Harrison’s widow Olivia.

It has been a remarkable rise to success – with sold-out arenas and millions of record sales – built on hard work.

The Grammy-nominated star, however, has told how he enjoys getting back to his roots and has hinted at a possible homecoming gig.

Sheeran – who has been a worldwide success since his first chart entry The A Team at the end of June 2011 – returned to Thomas Mills High School last week to give a musical masterclass to students.

With his debut album + released three months later, spending three weeks at number one, and a total of four tracks from the album charting in the top 10, the Framlingham singer-songwriter penned and recorded I See Fire, which featured in last year’s box office smash The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

The success of the album led to Sheeran winning two Brit Awards, and an Ivor Novello award, all in 2012.

And with a new album release and a 19-day UK and Ireland tour coming later this year, 2014 looks set to be another successful year for Ed.

Q&A

How does it feel when you come back to Suffolk? What do you enjoy about the county?

It feels great coming back, I love getting back to my roots, seeing my friends and family and having a pint in the local pub.

How has 2014 been for you so far?

It’s been great, I’ve just been preparing the album, finishing off recording and doing press shots. Not too complicated, so looking forward to when the work begins again.

You performed at a Beatles anniversary gig for CBS, how was that? What song did you perform?

I played ‘In my life’. It was awesome, and random. Playing with all those amazing musicians was eye opening and humbling.

What plans have you got for the coming year?

Have you got an album release date yet? How is it coming along?

New album soon, first single even sooner, and festivals with touring. It’s coming along great, it’s finally finished and finally ready.

How much are you looking forward to the tour later in the year?

Can’t wait to tour, it’ll be my first arena tour in England. We’ve been doing arenas everywhere else in the world but I wanted to wait till the show was good enough to move into arenas in the UK. I’m excited.

Have you got plans for a world tour?

Yup, it’s gonna be all this year and next year.

What would your feelings be on doing a ‘homecoming’ gig in Suffolk at some point?

Wait and see.