Ed Sheeran is many things: a music artist, producer, actor, and one hell of a tattoo enthusiast!
The English artist got his first tattoo when he was 18, and now he’s got an estimate of 60-100 and counting! How many more do you think he’ll have? In the meantime, we’re going to map out some of Ed Sheeran’s most memorable tattoos and take a look at the meanings of each of them.
RELATED: Ed Sheeran’s Heinz commercial is brilliant
Ed’s Tattoos
“People say when they see my tattoos that I look like a melted crayon, so that’s interesting.”
All of Ed’s tattoos have a meaning. Some mark significant events in his life, while others were taken to commemorate a fond memory.
What Meaning Does The Placement Of His Tattoos Have?
He’s vowed never to ink his neck and face and prefers to keep the ink on his arms and chest. Tattoos on his left-hand side represent his professional accomplishments while those on his right-hand side represent his personal life.
Right Sleeve
Three Boxing Gloves
In August 2013, Ed Sheeran’s Madison Square Garden show in NYC was sold out in a matter of minutes. He got three boxing gloves inked on his right arm to commemorate this milestone. His grandfather was a boxer, so it’s a tribute to him as well.
Teddy Bear
Right below the family tree tattoo, we can find a teddy bear inked. This seems random until you remember that Ed’s childhood nickname was Teddy!
Kool Guy
John Mayer and Ed Sheeran guested in the Late Late Show in February 2015 where they were made to design one tattoo for each other. So John Mayer is responsible for this one.
Left Sleeve
Paw Print
Even though the English songwriter confirms that all his tattoos have very particular meanings, there are exceptions to even the strictest of rules. Here’s the first tattoo Ed got “for no real reason” when he was 18 years old.
Ladz On Tour
This one was pretty spontaneous according to Ed. He got it with his tour buddies over at Rixton and we can find the phrase written on his left shoulder blade. Apparently Ed said something like: “We should get Ladz On Tour because we are lads on tour.”
Jake Roach, a member of the boy band Rixton, shares that the tattoo has a touch of irony to it. “It sounds ridiculous but it’s because we’re the opposite of lads…You won’t see us going to Magaluf for a long weekend – we prefer a quiet pint in a country pub.”
Japanese Symbol
Ed got this one in Japan in 2014. He’s not quite sure he knows what it means, or at least that’s what he said in his interview with GQ. “This was the first time I played in Japan. I think I know what it means but it might mean Yo Sushi or something,” Sheeran shares.
Damian Rice Autograph
Even our idols have idols. Ed has Damian Rice’s signature is permanently inked on his left arm right under the maple leaf.
Tiger Tattoo
He’s got some tiger stripes on his left arm to match the big ol’ tiger on his chest.
Torso Tattoos
Here’s an artsy shot that includes all of Ed Sheeran’s torso tattoos.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup
“No one is too good for ketchup. Ketchup is too good for you,” shares Ed on Twitter. He got the tattoo in 2012 during a stopover in Columbus on the way for his Ohio tour.
Lion Tattoo
The lion represents the summation of Ed’s career. “I feel like this is every part of my career put into one, and I think it looks cool and I don’t really care if anyone else does too,” he shares on Ellen. He didn’t get good reception on Instagram, but Ed loves it and regards it as his most meaningful tattoo!
C.F. Martin & Co.
Ed Sheeran’s got a tattoo of the American guitar company on his left bicep. To return the favour CF Martin & Co. released Martin Ed Sheeran ÷ Signature Edition to commemorate his Divide album.
What’s Next?
Ed’s a creative guy who has some really inventive tattoos – so who knows where he’s gonna go from here! He did say that he holds a special tattoo spot for when he marries Cherry Seaborn (which he did in 2018). But there’s been no news of that tattoo so far, so you’ll have to stay tuned. We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick guide to Ed Sheeran’s tattoos!
RELATED: Ed Sheeran has married Cherry Seab
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