The Visual Revolution: How Ed Sheeran’s Tours Redefined Concert Technology Through Cutting-Edge Video Effects

Ed Sheeran’s live performances have evolved from intimate acoustic sets to some of the most technologically sophisticated concert productions in the world. The singer-songwriter’s recent tours, particularly the groundbreaking Mathematics Tour (+-=÷x Tour), represent a paradigm shift in how video effects, stage design, and immersive technology can transform the concert experience. This comprehensive analysis explores the revolutionary technologies, software solutions, and creative processes that have made Ed Sheeran’s tours a masterclass in modern concert production.

The Mathematics Tour stands as perhaps the most ambitious touring production ever undertaken, featuring the world’s first touring cable net system, unprecedented LED technology integration, and real-time video effects that blur the line between performance and digital art. The tour’s success lies not just in its scale—covering 74 stadium dates across multiple continents—but in its innovative approach to solving the fundamental challenge of making a solo acoustic performer visible and engaging to stadium audiences of 80,000+ people.

The Evolution from Divide to Mathematics: A Technological Journey

The Divide Tour Foundation (2017-2019)

Ed Sheeran’s transformation into a stadium-scale visual spectacle began with the Divide Tour, which established many of the technological foundations that would later be perfected in the Mathematics Tour. The Divide Tour introduced a dramatic “goblet-shaped” LED structure that served as both a visual focal point and a technological testing ground.

The Divide Tour utilized over 500 ROE Visual Carbon CB5 LED panels arranged in a distinctive mushroom-cloud configuration. This design, created by production and lighting designer Mark Cunniffe, represented a significant departure from traditional concert staging by placing the video technology at the center of the performance rather than as a backdrop. The tour employed d3 media servers (the predecessor to disguise) for content playback, with Notch real-time effects processing handled by programmer Matt Swoboda.

Moment Factory, the renowned Canadian multimedia studio, created ten pieces of video content for the Divide Tour that used 3D architectural illusion to completely transform the stage design. These pieces drew inspiration from Sheeran’s London photoshoots, his lyrics, and even his tattoos, translating the emotional complexity of each song into abstract visual journeys. The content featured everything from dreamlike double-exposed forests to enigmatic neon alleys and bursts of fire, each concept serving as an emotional companion to the music.

The Mathematics Tour Revolution (2022-2023)

The Mathematics Tour represented a complete reimagining of what a touring production could achieve. Kicking off on April 23, 2022, in Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium, the tour introduced the world’s first touring cable net system—a feat of engineering that had previously been reserved for permanent installations like Olympic ceremonies.

The centerpiece of this revolutionary design is a 21-meter diameter circular transparent LED screen, known as the “halo,” which can be lowered to completely surround Sheeran during performance. This halo, weighing 45 tonnes, is suspended above a revolving central stage by six 30-meter-high steel masts connected through a complex cable net system capable of supporting 55 tonnes of equipment including PA systems, lighting, and video displays.

The Cable Net System: Engineering the Impossible

Structural Innovation

The cable net system developed for the Mathematics Tour represents a breakthrough in touring production engineering. Designed by Wonder Works’ Jeremy Lloyd and structural engineer Rasti Bartek of Cundall, the system consists of six 30-meter-high steel masts supporting a 60-meter span cable net constructed from 22mm diameter galvanized steel spiral strand cable.

This pioneering structure eliminates the need for a traditional roof system, resulting in vastly improved sightlines for fans while creating the first truly 360-degree stadium touring experience. The engineering challenge was immense: the structure needed to be transportable, capable of being erected in just three days, and strong enough to support massive loads while maintaining precise tension in the cable system.

Stage One, the fabrication company responsible for the steel framework, manufactured three identical sets with submillimeter precision. The truss towers were angled 15 degrees from vertical and required pin-point accuracy to maintain the desired cable tension. Any deflection in the truss would cause cable slackening and potential damage to thousands of pounds worth of suspended technology.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

The cable net system presented unique challenges that had never been addressed in touring production. The structure needed to support not just the central halo but also six plectrum-shaped double-sided LED screens suspended from each mast, plus 22 tonnes of PA equipment and extensive lighting rigs.

To address crew safety during construction, Stage One developed a hydraulic system that provided semi-automated construction capabilities. This innovation was crucial given the scale and complexity of the daily setup and teardown process required for a touring production.

LED Technology and Visual Canvas

ROE Visual Integration

The Mathematics Tour’s visual impact relies heavily on an extensive array of ROE Visual LED products totaling over 1,100 square meters of display surface. The technology stack includes:

• 462m² of ROE Vanish V8T panels: These transparent outdoor LED panels form the central halo, providing the main visual display while maintaining the open aesthetic of the design
• 90m² of ROE BM5 panels: Black Marble panels create the revolving LED stage floor, providing content for elevated viewing positions
• 398m² of ROE CB5 panels: These panels form the six guitar pick-shaped IMAG screens suspended from the masts
• 220m² of ROE CB5 half panels: Additional panels complete the LED hoops around the outside of each mast

The choice of ROE Visual products was driven by their combination of lightweight construction, weather resistance, and exceptional image quality. Video Director Phil Mead noted that “creating a 360-degree visual experience wouldn’t have been possible without high-quality ROE Visual panels”.

Brompton Technology Processing

The massive LED display system is powered by Brompton Technology’s processing infrastructure, including five active and one backup 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, plus 20 Tessera XD 10G data distribution units. This processing power is essential for managing the complex pixel mapping and real-time content distribution across the 360-degree display environment.

Video Director Phil Mead, who has worked with Ed Sheeran for 11 years, emphasizes the importance of reliable processing: “Since the Divide Tour in 2017, ROE screens in partnership with Brompton LED processing has been all we have been using”. The combination provides the functionality, performance, and 24/7 support necessary for a tour of this magnitude.

Software Stack and Real-Time Effects

Disguise Media Server Platform

The Mathematics Tour relies on disguise’s GX 2C media servers as the central hub for all video content distribution and real-time effects processing. The disguise platform was chosen for its proven reliability on previous Sheeran tours and its seamless integration with Notch real-time effects software.

Mark Cunniffe, the production designer, has been using disguise media servers for over 10 years and selected the GX 2C for its seven 4K outputs with backup capabilities, essential for reliably pushing the massive amount of pixels required by the tour’s LED arrays. The r21 software update provided improved processing performance and reduced frame drops, while the background removal tool proved particularly effective for certain tracks.

Disguise’s premium support package was crucial for a tour spanning 30 countries and 200 shows, providing worldwide server coverage and ensuring the team had necessary backup equipment available anywhere in the world.

Notch Real-Time Graphics Engine

Notch software serves as the creative engine for the tour’s most spectacular visual moments. Developed by Matt Swoboda, Notch provides real-time rendering capabilities that have redefined what’s possible in live visual performance. The software has been used on Ed Sheeran tours since the X (Multiply) campaign in 2014-2015, with each subsequent tour pushing the boundaries further.

For the Mathematics Tour, Notch enabled the creation of complex, multi-layered visual effects that respond to live performance elements. EVOKE Studios, led by Vincent Steenhoek and Urs Nyffenegger, utilized Notch’s real-time capabilities to develop content for 10 tracks from Sheeran’s repertoire. The workflow allowed for real-time testing and iteration, crucial given the strict time constraints of tour rehearsals.

The power of Notch lies in its ability to integrate offline-rendered content with real-time IMAG processing. For example, in “Shape of You,” the rendered shapes influence the IMAG itself, the images behind the IMAG, and where content appears on stage, creating a cohesive visual experience across all display surfaces.

Virtual Reality Preview and Design Process

One of the most innovative aspects of the Mathematics Tour’s development was the extensive use of VR technology for design previewing and client communication. EVOKE Studios used VR to show Ed Sheeran their vision in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and iteration on complex 360-degree content concepts.

This VR-based design process was essential for creating content that works effectively in-the-round. As Vincent Steenhoek notes, “It’s super complex to design content that works in-the-round, unless you choose to segment it and turn it into 2D screens again, which itself is counter-intuitive”. The VR environment allowed the team to test various approaches and ensure that every seat in the stadium would have an engaging visual experience.

Content Creation and Creative Partnerships

EVOKE Studios and Creative Vision

EVOKE Studios played a crucial role in creating the “big moments” that define the Mathematics Tour’s visual impact. Founded in 2019, the studio specializes in cutting-edge visual experiences and has worked with top-tier clients including Sony Pictures, Netflix, and major fashion brands like Balenciaga and Chanel.

For the Mathematics Tour, EVOKE was tasked with creating content for ten songs, focusing on delivering “five or six visual moments that are especially impressive or unexpected” rather than overwhelming the audience with constant spectacle. This approach allows the rest of the show to build context while reserving the most dramatic effects for maximum impact.

The creative process involved developing stenciled mood boards of 3D designs, which were then imported into Notch for lighting and animation. This workflow leveraged Notch’s real-time feedback capabilities, allowing the team to test multiple versions of each look until the perfect result was achieved.

Twotrucks Productions and Overall Design

Mark Cunniffe’s Twotrucks Productions served as the creative director for the overall visual concept, coordinating between multiple content creation partners and ensuring visual coherence across the entire production. Cunniffe has worked with Ed Sheeran since 2010, growing alongside the artist’s career trajectory from intimate venues to stadium spectacles.

The Mathematics Tour represented the culmination of Cunniffe’s long-term vision to present Sheeran “in the round,” a concept he had been encouraging since 2015. The challenge was making a solo performer with an acoustic guitar accessible to stadium audiences of 80,000+ people without overwhelming his intimate performance style.

Multi-Studio Collaboration

The scale of the Mathematics Tour required collaboration between multiple content creation studios. While EVOKE Studios handled the major visual moments, other partners contributed specialized content:

• Moment Factory: Created content for the previous Divide Tour that established the foundation for Sheeran’s video-enhanced performances
• SHOP: Provided additional video content for both Divide and Mathematics tours
• Twotrucks Productions: Overall creative direction and show design integration

This multi-studio approach allowed each partner to focus on their strengths while contributing to a cohesive overall vision. The collaboration was facilitated by the use of common technical standards and the flexibility of the Notch/disguise workflow.

Lighting Control Systems and Integration

GrandMA3 Platform Evolution

The Mathematics Tour marked a significant milestone in lighting control technology by implementing a full grandMA3 system running grandMA3 software for the first time on a tour of this scale. This represented an upgrade from the grandMA2 system used on previous Sheeran tours, providing enhanced networking capabilities and processing power.

The lighting control architecture consists of two grandMA3 full-size consoles for lighting control, two grandMA3 full-size consoles for video control, and six grandMA3 processing unit XLs distributed throughout the venue. This distributed processing approach ensures reliable control of the 970+ lighting fixtures while maintaining backup redundancy.

Lighting Director Matt Jones, who has worked with Ed Sheeran since 2015, emphasizes the importance of the grandMA3’s networking capabilities: “It’s been a straightforward and smooth process for everyone involved”. The system’s ability to handle complex cueing without timecode is crucial for Sheeran’s performance style, which often includes impromptu changes to the setlist based on audience reaction.

MIDI Integration and Live Control

One of the most sophisticated aspects of the lighting control system is its integration with Sheeran’s live performance through MIDI triggers. The grandMA3 system receives MIDI commands directly from Sheeran’s loop pedal, allowing him to trigger specific lighting effects during three songs: “Bloodstream,” “You Need Me,” and the show opener “Tides”.

This integration represents a perfect marriage of artistic performance and technical precision. Rather than relying on predetermined timecode, the system responds dynamically to Sheeran’s live performance, maintaining the organic feel of his music while delivering spectacular coordinated effects at exactly the right moments.

Ayrton and GLP Fixture Innovation

The Mathematics Tour features an almost entirely IP65-rated lighting rig, essential for the open-air cable net system that provides no traditional weather protection. The fixtures include:

• 138 Ayrton Domino LT: Compact IP65-rated fixtures providing versatile beam effects
• 48 Ayrton Perseo Profile: High-output profile fixtures for precision lighting
• 22 Ayrton Cobra: Laser-sourced fixtures making their touring debut on this production
• 162 GLP XDC1 IP Hybrid: Specially developed for this tour, featuring RGBL LED technology and superior color-mixing capabilities

The GLP XDC1 fixtures were specifically developed over the course of a year leading up to the tour, representing a supercharged version of the JDC1 hybrid strobe with enhanced brightness, narrower beam characteristics, and improved color matching with the X5 series. These fixtures create some of the most dramatic effects in the production, with the majority suspended from the six masts and others positioned in the halo structure shooting beams down onto the stage.

Real-Time IMAG and Video Processing

Follow-Me Camera System

The Mathematics Tour employs a sophisticated Follow-Me camera system to ensure Sheeran remains visible and well-lit regardless of his position on the revolving stage. Two Follow-Me operators work alongside the video team, controlling Domino LT fixtures that track Sheeran’s movement in real-time.

The Follow-Me system not only controls the moving fixtures but also sends tracking information to the trough lighting system, providing additional illumination based on Sheeran’s position. This integration ensures consistent lighting quality for both the live audience and the IMAG cameras throughout the performance.

Multi-Camera IMAG System

The tour employs 12 cameras operated by six technicians, with the ability to switch between mast-mounted and on-stage cameras depending on Sheeran’s movement. Video Director Phil Mead notes that operators have their work cut out “keeping up with the speed of Sheeran’s movement on stage,” particularly given the unique framing challenges presented by the guitar pick-shaped screens.

The IMAG system represents a evolution from traditional concert videography, integrating live camera feeds with real-time Notch effects to create layered visual compositions. Unlike typical IMAG that simply magnifies the performer, the Mathematics Tour’s video system creates artistic interpretations of the live performance that complement rather than compete with Sheeran’s stage presence.

Notch Real-Time Effects Processing

The real-time effects processing capabilities of Notch allow for sophisticated manipulation of live video feeds that would have been impossible with previous-generation technology. Ben Lapworth, operating from an MA Lighting grandMA3 Lite, controls the Notch effects parameters in real-time, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on Sheeran’s performance and the energy of each show.

The Notch treatments are heavily used on live footage of Sheeran, creating effects that range from subtle texural enhancements to dramatic transformations that completely reimagine the visual presentation of each song. This approach allows the video content to remain fresh and responsive to the unique energy of each performance while maintaining the overall visual consistency of the tour.

Pyrotechnics and Special Effects Innovation

Pains Fireworks Integration

The Mathematics Tour marked the first time Ed Sheeran incorporated pyrotechnics into his live performance, with Pains Fireworks providing a range of spectacular effects throughout the show. Founded as the longest-established firework display company in the United Kingdom, Pains Fireworks brought their expertise from sporting events and major celebrations to the touring environment.

The pyrotechnic design includes 11 flame heads on the revolving stage using the latest Galaxis L-Flame system, which utilizes liquid IPA fuel pumps located under the stage. The flame heights were carefully calibrated to create consistent effects while avoiding damage to the overhead lighting rig. These flames are controlled via a Galactus Wireless system, eliminating the need for cable connections from the control position.

The halo structure incorporates 24 pyrotechnic plates capable of producing a range of effects including smoke mines and other atmospheric elements. Tim Griffiths of Pains Fireworks notes that the brief was to “create something spectacular that could be repeated each night within the confines of the set”.

Daylight Smoke Effects

One of the most innovative aspects of the pyrotechnic design is the use of daylight-colored smoke mines, a recent innovation that creates stunning visual effects even in bright stadium lighting. These effects fire four times at the beginning of each show, creating an “incredible rainbow feature” that serves as a dramatic opening for the performance.

The daylight smoke technology represents the cutting edge of pyrotechnic innovation, allowing for spectacular visual effects that remain visible and impactful even in the challenging lighting conditions of outdoor stadium performances. This capability was crucial for maintaining visual impact across the diverse venue types and lighting conditions encountered throughout the global tour.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Weather Resistance and IP Rating

One of the most significant technical challenges of the Mathematics Tour is its complete exposure to outdoor weather conditions due to the cable net system’s lack of traditional weather protection. This requirement drove the specification for IP65-rated equipment throughout the production, from LED panels to lighting fixtures to control systems.

Mark Cunniffe notes that “a lot of time was spent sourcing, and in some cases, manufacturing from scratch, equipment that fulfilled this particular brief”. The GLP XDC1 fixtures, for example, were specifically developed with enhanced weatherproofing capabilities while maintaining their performance specifications.

The ROE Visual LED panels were selected specifically for their outdoor rating and ability to maintain image quality in varying weather conditions. The transparent Vanish V8T panels used in the halo structure provide weather resistance while maintaining the open aesthetic crucial to the design concept.

Ground Conditions and Load Distribution

Stadium venues present unique challenges related to ground conditions and structural load distribution. Unlike arena floors, stadium pitches and open grounds provide variable and often soft surfaces that must support the massive weight of the production.

The revolving outer ring of the stage requires perfectly level surfaces to function properly, creating additional challenges when working on uneven stadium pitches. Some stadiums feature underground parking structures directly beneath the pitch, requiring careful analysis of weight distribution during both the build process and the performance.

Production Manager Helen Himmons explains that the team had to “look at our build process and crane movements, making sure we kept weight evenly distributed during the build, as well as consulting on how to support the floor from below because of the void underneath”.

Network Infrastructure and Redundancy

The complexity of the Mathematics Tour’s technical systems requires extensive network infrastructure to ensure reliable communication between all components. The tour employs Luminex network switches specifically for the grandMA3 backbone, providing dedicated bandwidth for lighting and video control.

The network architecture includes separate fiber networks for lighting and video control, allowing the consoles to be fully interchangeable while maintaining complete redundancy. This redundancy is crucial for a production of this scale, where equipment failure could impact shows for tens of thousands of audience members.

Ben Lapworth operates the video system from a converted 45-foot trailer known as “The Loft,” connected to the stadium by fiber optic cables. This separation allows the video director to concentrate on the complex mixing and effects processing requirements without the distractions of the stadium environment.

Industry Impact and Future Implications

Setting New Standards

The Mathematics Tour has established new benchmarks for touring production scale, technical innovation, and creative integration. Jeremy Lloyd of Wonder Works, who designed numerous cable nets for Olympic ceremonies, states that “touring a cable net on this scale has never been done before”. The success of this tour proves that technologies previously reserved for permanent installations can be adapted for touring applications.

The tour’s approach to 360-degree staging, real-time effects processing, and weather-resistant design has influenced production planning across the industry. Agent Willy Ollier notes that “Ed has set the bar high now, and I genuinely believe this is the most spectacular and ambitious live show on Earth”.

Technological Advancement Catalyst

The demands of the Mathematics Tour drove technological advancement across multiple sectors. The GLP XDC1 fixtures were specifically developed for the tour, leading to innovations that benefit the entire industry. Similarly, the extreme requirements for weather resistance and reliability pushed LED panel and media server technology to new performance levels.

The success of Notch real-time effects in this large-scale application has validated the technology for widespread adoption across touring productions. The seamless integration of offline content creation, real-time effects, and live performance elements provides a template for future productions seeking to enhance audience engagement without overwhelming artistic content.

Scalability and Accessibility

While the Mathematics Tour represents the pinnacle of touring production technology, many of its innovations are scalable to smaller productions. The software platforms used—disguise media servers, Notch effects engine, grandMA3 control systems—are available to productions of all scales, democratizing access to professional-grade video effects and control systems.

The success of real-time content creation and VR-based design processes provides valuable lessons for productions with limited pre-production time and budget. The ability to iterate quickly and visualize complex effects in virtual environments before committing to expensive physical implementation represents a significant advancement in production efficiency.

Conclusion: The Future of Concert Technology

Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour represents a watershed moment in live entertainment technology, proving that ambitious technical innovation can enhance rather than overshadow artistic performance. The tour’s success stems from its holistic approach to technical integration, where every system—from the revolutionary cable net structure to the sophisticated real-time effects processing—serves the fundamental goal of connecting an intimate acoustic performer with massive stadium audiences.

The tour’s technological achievements extend far beyond their immediate application to Ed Sheeran’s performances. The successful deployment of the world’s first touring cable net system opens new possibilities for stage design creativity. The seamless integration of multiple LED technologies, real-time effects processing, and live performance control demonstrates that complex technical systems can operate reliably in demanding touring environments.

Perhaps most significantly, the Mathematics Tour proves that cutting-edge technology can enhance rather than replace human artistry. Despite employing some of the most sophisticated concert technology ever deployed, the production maintains focus on Ed Sheeran’s intimate performance style and emotional connection with his audience. The technology serves as a bridge, extending the reach and impact of his music rather than becoming the primary focus of attention.

The software ecosystem developed for the tour—combining disguise media servers, Notch real-time effects, grandMA3 control systems, and specialized LED processing—provides a template for future productions seeking to push creative boundaries while maintaining operational reliability. The success of this integration validates the potential for even more ambitious technical implementations in future touring productions.

As the live entertainment industry continues to evolve in response to changing audience expectations and technological capabilities, the Mathematics Tour stands as proof that visionary creative concepts, supported by cutting-edge technology and executed by skilled professionals, can create truly transformative experiences that redefine what’s possible in live performance. The tour’s legacy lies not just in its technical achievements, but in its demonstration that technology and artistry, when properly balanced, can create experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts.