‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ Finds Singer Going Through Hell And Carrying On

This past May 4th, Ed Sheeran prevailed in court, winning the most recent lawsuit against him. He had been sued by the family of producer and songwriter Ed Townsend, who alleged the red-headed Englishman’s 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud” copied Marvin Gaye’s 1973 soul classic “Let’s Get It On,” which Townsend co-wrote. It was the third suit accusing Sheeran of musical plagiarism and the second time in a row he emerged victorious. In other words, don’t mess with the little guy, he’s tougher than he looks (and can afford really good lawyers).  

The same week Sheeran’s talents were vindicated, the new 4-part documentary, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All serendipitously premiered on Disney+. The release date is coincidental (I think?) but it makes sense that the guy who’s made a habit of math-themed album titles and mastered the looper pedal has some kind of mojo when it comes to timing. Time and age are very much at the heart of the series, which chronicles Sheeran’s annus horribilis, when he lost his best friend, his pregnant wife faced a health crisis, and he became mired in legal troubles due to the lawsuits against him.   

The four episodes are titled thematically – “Love,” “Loss,” “Focus” and “Balance” – and chart the  rocky course of the previous year. Sheeran emerged from Covid mostly unscathed and in the fall of 2021 released the album = (“Equals”) which topped the charts just like all his other albums. 2022, however, would bring unforeseen challenges.  While expecting the birth of their second child, wife Cherry Seaborn was diagnosed with cancer after a tumor was found on her arm. Things went from bad to worse soon after when Ed’s good friend, the British music impresario Jamal Edwards, died unexpectedly from a heart attack at 31.   

Sheehan is a homeboy in the literal sense.  He was born and raised in Suffolk, England, and still keeps a home there. He’s known Seahorn since childhood and many of their school friends work for him in different capacities, from security to tour chefs.  He’s close with his parents and goes to get tattoos of their handwriting. A country boy, Edwards became Sheeran’s friend in the big city when he was making a name for himself playing open mic nights all over London. Edwards featured Sheehan on his YouTube channel, SB.TV, which up until that point had concentrated on the local grime scene.   

Though he’s only seen in archival footage, Edwards’ spirit hangs over the series. Sheeran says they were so close people thought they were lovers and that they felt like the same person. At repeated points the singer bursts into tears when discussing his death, including in front of a live audience, later feeling embarrassed at the public display of grief. For Sheeran the death was bigger than just losing a beloved friend. “Grief instantly ends your youth,” the 30-something year old says. “Loss, it just took over my life.”

Sheeran’s answer is to throw himself into his work and his songwriting. He seems frenzied recording his next album, – (“Subtract”), which was also released last week and finds him exploring more forlorn textures influenced by his growing pains and personal struggles. While Seabrook says her husband has a tendency towards British “Carry On” stoicism, she worries about his mental health and says still isn’t through the grieving process, instead burying himself in his work. “My personality is to overdo everything all the time,” he responds.   

Wrapping things up neatly by the final episode, Sheeran’s fortunes appear to be on the upswing. Following the birth of their daughter, Seaborn’s tumor was removed and her health seems to be on the mend. He films a tribute video to Edwards at the home stadium of Chelsea F.C., the West Londoner’s favorite team. The series ends with Sheeran celebrating with family and friends back in Suffolk, excited about the future, planning a massive tour and “becoming more of an adult.”

Much like his music, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All breezes along pleasantly and packs few surprises. Is it any wonder a guy whose affability and boy next door approachability is part his allure came from a good home and has good friends he cares about deeply? Not at all. Like other celebrities whose niceness is part of their marketing, it can be a bit insufferable at times, but Sheeran seems genuine and his work ethic and sense of purpose are admirable. Rather than tell us anything new about the singer, the series brings him into sharper focus as he lives up to Winston Churchill’s dictum, “if you’re going through hell, keep going.” 

Benjamin H. Smith is a New York based writer, producer and musician. Follow him on Twitter:@BHSmithNYC.