Ed Sheeran Headlines Glastonbury to Mixed Audience Reviews

Sunday night, the British singer-songwriter stepped onto the Pyramid stage to close up the festival, accompanied only by his guitar and a loop pedal. The 26-year-old greeted the audience with humility, saying, "I have to admit I'm very nervous."

He went on to play chart-topping songs, including 'Shape of You,' 'Castle on the Hill,' 'Thinking Out Loud,' and 'The A Team.' When it came time to play the controversial hit 'Galway Girl,' Sheeran addressed the haters head-on, warning, "I’m going to play a song now that you might not like, but I’m pretty sure you know the words to."

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, who stars in the music video for 'Galway Girl,' was spotted dancing in the crowd, and seemed to be having the time of her life.

Saoirse dancing to Galway Girl at #Glastonbury2017 ?‘? pic.twitter.com/Oj4P6JAPhJ

— Saoirse Ronan News (@saoirsenews) June 26, 2017

While Sheeran played the majority of the set entirely on his own, looping guitar tracks live in place of a full band, he did bring the Irish trad group Beoga onto the stage for 'Nancy Mulligan,' a song about his Irish paternal grandmother and sung from his grandfather's perspective.

Some audience members criticized the performance, asserting that the set was far too mellow to close the festival.

Talented singer-songwriter? Yes. Talented guitarist? Yes. But how on earth is this man headlining Glastonbury? #EdSheeran

— James Coles (@jcoles1977) June 25, 2017

Oh no. The headline act on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury has been held up because the stage has been invaded by some busker.

— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) June 25, 2017

Some even accused him of using a backing track, not understanding how a loop pedal works.

Is Ed Sheeran signing to a backing track??? Guitar music still playing as it lies on stage #glastonbury2017 he's scamming it!!!

— David (@WeeLowry) June 25, 2017

Never thought I'd have to explain it, but everything I do in my live show is live, it's a loop station, not a backing track. Please google x

— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) June 26, 2017

Meanwhile, fans were charmed by the singer's humility and raw talent.

The things Ed can do with just himself and a guitar is phenomenal...he is an absolute genius. Best artist I've seen live. #Glastonbury

— Kate O'Loughlin (@KateOLoughlinx) June 25, 2017

1 bloke
1 guitar
1 loop pedal
Thousands singing every word back at him ??????#EdSheeran #Glastonbury

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 25, 2017

The performance was not Sheeran's first stint at Glastonbury. The singer played at the Croussant Neuf stafe - one of the festival's smallest venues - in 2011, performing for just around 500 people.

Reflecting on his rapid ascent to festival headliner, Sheeran said, "I'd like to say it was a dream of mine, but I never thought I'd get to the point where I was playing this stage, let alone headlining it."

Anyway, great night, great atmosphere, family, friends, fun. Love you all x

— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) June 26, 2017