Ed Sheeran's highly anticipated return to Perth this weekend is generating a buzz, but it appears he may not surpass the impressive attendance record he set at Optus Stadium during his previous visit. During his last performance in March 2023, an astonishing 73,092 fans filled the stadium to witness the pop sensation live, marking a new ticket sale milestone for the state.
This weekend, as part of his Australian Loop Tour, Sheeran will kick off the Perth segment with shows on Saturday and Sunday. However, Frontier Touring has estimated that while both nights will draw significant crowds of over 55,000 attendees each, the total will fall short of his past achievement, reaching around 110,000 together. In contrast, AC/DC managed to attract a combined audience of 97,000 during their two concerts in December 2023, showcasing the competitive nature of live music events in Perth.
It's important to note that Sheeran's choice to hold two consecutive performances instead of one massive concert is not indicative of diminished interest among fans. Instead, this decision reflects changes in his stage design. The unique setup he employed during his last performance featured a circular stage that allowed fans to enjoy a 360-degree view of the artist, significantly increasing the potential attendance. This configuration provided an opportunity for a larger number of fans to experience his show, especially since it was the only chance to catch him in Perth during that tour.
In contrast, for the upcoming shows, he is expected to revert to a traditional front-facing stage setup, similar to what was observed in his recent performances in New Zealand. Recent aerial photos of Optus Stadium taken on Wednesday indicate that preparations for the stage are underway, hinting at an exciting atmosphere for attendees this weekend.
Sheeran's closest rival in terms of local attendance records is Coldplay, who drew impressive crowds of 65,562 and 66,458 during their 'Music of the Spheres' concerts in November 2023.
Notably, Ed Sheeran holds the distinction of not only setting the record for the largest single ticketed event in Western Australia but also being the first artist to perform at Optus Stadium back in March 2018, captivating over 58,000 fans.
In a twist, unlike other rock giants such as AC/DC and Metallica—who opened merchandise pop-up stores during their Perth visits—Sheeran will not be offering a dedicated merch outlet. However, fans can still purchase merchandise within the stadium grounds on show days.
During his performances in Perth, Sheeran will showcase tracks from his latest album, "Play," which debuted in September 2025. Fans can look forward to hearing singles like "Azizam," "A Little More," and "Old Phone" live for the first time in WA. Additionally, he will be joined on stage by Australian acts Vance Joy and Mia Wray, along with the Irish all-female group BIIRD.
Following his Perth shows, Sheeran's tour will continue with three performances each in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, ultimately wrapping up with a concert in Adelaide on March 5.
