4 days Ago By Will O'Brien
In Ipswich, Massachusetts curiosity and excitement swell as a new pop-up bar, named "The Old Phone" after Ed Sheeran's latest single, welcomes its exclusive debut today. In a unique experience blending a fan meet-up, a bar, and a music video set, the Grammy award-winning artist is set to perform and mingle with patrons at this one-off event crafted to promote his new music release.As reported by NBC Boston, fans have the rare opportunity to not only savor a drink in the "cozy, warm and inviting" ambiance but also potentially secure a cameo in the music video being shot on-site.
To gain entry, fans must dredge up cherished memories from their old cell phones to participate, setting the stage for an immersive and retrospective encounter. Sheeran elaborated on his appearance on Jimmy Fallon that, "The music video is basically the build of the pub with everyone locally, and then to get entry into it, you have to go on your old phone and find an old message that means a lot to you, or a video that means a lot to you and send it in and then afterwards we're going to project them on the walls, it’s gonna be cool."However, space is limited.
Admittance hinges on an official confirmation received via text - photographs of which will not suffice - and a state-issued ID presented at the door. Per a statement obtained by WCVB, only around 80 people will circulate through the exclusive venue at a time, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Sheeran's camp laid out the fine print: Having a text does not guarantee entry, and guests, allowed one plus-one, should avoid disappointment by arriving early.
Local anticipation stirs as the town gears up for an influx of visitors. "Well, all the town is abuzz about Ed Sheeran. And we hear he’s from Ipswich, England, this is Ipswich, Massachusetts, so we’re kind of hoping maybe he’ll come in the store and buy some Ipswich gear," local resident Trish Kubaska told WCVB.
Authorities have cautioned against driving in the vicinity of the pop-up, located behind the EBSCO building, given the limited parking and road closure on Union Street. Instead, communal travel methods such as commuter rail or ridesharing services are endorsed.The pop-up's emergence follows Sheeran's impromptu performance on St.
Patrick's Day at The Dubliner in Boston and peeks into his forthcoming album. In Sheeran’s inventive fashion, the pop-up isn't just a place to drink - it's a celebration of memories, both old and new, mingling with the down-to-earth charm of a local pub. Meanwhile, Ipswich residents like Courtney MacDougall express a mix of excitement and trepidation, "I'm sure the streets are going to be insane," she shared with WCVB, reflecting on the imminent rush and the effect of out-of-towners drawn to Sheeran's star power.
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