Ed Sheeran has opened up about his enduring friendship with Taylor Swift, shedding light on how their bond has transformed. In a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast on April 9, 2025, Sheeran revealed that while they once spent nearly every day together during their early collaborations, they now meet about four times a year for in-depth, six-hour catchups.
The story of Sheeran and Swift’s friendship began in 2012, sparked by a serendipitous moment. Sheeran learned that Swift had written lyrics from his song “Lego House” on her arm during a performance in Australia.
Intrigued, he reached out to her team, and soon after, the pair met in person to collaborate on “Everything Has Changed” for Swift’s Red album. This creative partnership marked the start of their bond, with their immediate chemistry as songwriters and performers laying a strong foundation.
The pivotal chapter in their friendship unfolded during Swift’s Red Tour, which lasted from March 2013 to June 2014. Sheeran joined as a supporting act for the tour, which became the highest-grossing country tour of all time, drawing 1.7 million attendees and earning $150.2 million.
Spending nearly every day together for six months, they traveled, performed, and shared countless experiences. Sheeran recently described this period as one of his favorite memories with Swift, recalling,
“I lived in Nashville, and she lived in Nashville, and We used to fly to gigs together; I spent almost every day with her for six months,”
Sheeran recalled on the podcast.
Fast forward to 2025, and their friendship has evolved to fit their busy, globe-spanning careers. Sheeran explained that they now see each other approximately four times a year. Far from fleeting encounters, these reunions are substantial:
“proper sit-down six-hour catch-ups” about four times annually.
Their bond also takes center stage during joint performances, such as when Sheeran surprised fans by joining Swift at Wembley Stadium on August 15, 2024, during her Eras Tour. Together, they performed a mash-up of “Everything Has Changed,” “End Game,” and Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”
“one of my best friends in the world to the point where I feel like he’s a second brother of mine,”.
Swift praised him onstage, calling him one of her best friends and a “second brother.” Sheeran has received similar accolades, like when Swift credited him in her 2015 Brit Award speech, saying,
“I know I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for one of my best friends… I just want to say I love you, Ed Sheeran.”
Sheeran has emphasized Swift’s unique ability to relate to his life, saying in a 2023 interview with Zane Lowe,
“She’s one of the only people that truly understands where I’m at… she’s just basically in the same sphere.”
Sheeran’s nostalgic reflections and Swift’s heartfelt public praise highlight a connection that remains a cornerstone in their lives. In an industry where relationships often fade, their ability to sustain such a bond speaks volumes about its strength and authenticity.
