Ed Sheeran, a renowned artist, performs "Teenage Dirtbag" alongside his former high school bandmates.
**Ed Sheeran and Wheatus's Iconic Collaboration: A Nostalgic Moment in Hamburg**
In a heartwarming and memorable event on July 5, 2025, Ed Sheeran took the stage at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion for a unique performance of "Teenage Dirtbag" with Brendan B. Brown, the frontman of the band Wheatus, and Sheeran's high school band. This collaboration, which brought together the past and the present, was a testament to the enduring legacy of the 2000 hit song and a fulfillment of Sheeran's childhood dream.
The roots of this collaboration can be traced back to Sheeran's adolescence, when he, along with his two childhood friends Rory and Fred Clifford, formed a band at the age of 12. "Teenage Dirtbag" was one of their go-to songs, and the love for the track stayed with Sheeran throughout the years. After reuniting for a friend's wedding in April, the trio decided to bring the song back to life in a live setting. Sheeran reached out to Brendan Brown to join them on stage at his concert, and the collaboration was born organically and with genuine enthusiasm.
"Teenage Dirtbag" became an anthem for adolescent angst and unrequited love, resonating deeply with listeners who related to its themes. For Sheeran, it is one of his top 10 favorite songs of all time, underscoring its personal significance and impact on his musical upbringing. The live rendition, which took place during Sheeran's European tour supporting his upcoming album *Play*, blended Sheeran's modern artistry with the nostalgic essence of the original.
The performance was met with enthusiasm from fans and the artists themselves. Sheeran described it as "one of my favorite moments ever on stage" and expressed gratitude toward Brown for joining the performance. Fans shared videos on TikTok and YouTube, capturing the joyous and rare collaboration, which resonated deeply with audiences who cherished both Wheatus and Sheeran's music. One fan even compared the performance to that of One Direction, while another described it as the coolest guest act on stage ever.
Media outlets widely covered the event as a historic and nostalgic moment, celebrating both Sheeran's artistic evolution and the timeless quality of "Teenage Dirtbag." The authenticity and passion behind the reunion of Sheeran's childhood band and Wheatus' original singer were noted, making it a special treat for fans of both artists.
With this successful collaboration, fans anticipate more such nostalgic and unexpected partnerships from Ed Sheeran as he continues to explore new creative directions while honoring his musical roots. The "Teenage Dirtbag" performance was indeed a meaningful event that bridged generations, blending childhood memories with contemporary artistry to great acclaim and fanfare.
Ed Sheeran and Brendan B. Brown's performance of "Teenage Dirtbag" at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg was a blend of entertainment and music that nostalgically transported fans back to the 2000s. Sheeran's love for the track, which he played during his high school days, was evident in their collaborative rendition, demonstrating the lasting influence of music on his career.