Ed Sheeran reportedly announced on Monday, May 1 that he would leave the music industry if found guilty in the recent “Thinking Out Loud” plagiarism case. The singer added that the entire ordeal was “insulting” to someone who had “devoted” his life to performing and songwriting.
Ed Townsend’s family is suing the Shape of You singer for copying Marvin Gaye and Townsend’s 1973 hit song, “Let’s Get It On.” Townsend’s family claims that Sheeran lifted the progression for his song from the 1973 hit.
Sheeran has denied all claims made against him, saying his 2014 hit is based on a basic chord progression that is part of the “building blocks” of pop music. He also revealed that the song was inspired by Irish musician Van Morrison.
Ed Sheeran denies copying Marvin Gaye and Ed Townsend’s songÂ
When asked how the trial was affecting him, the singer reportedly told attorney Ilene Farkas:
“If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping. I find it really insulting to devote my whole life to being a performer and a songwriter and have someone diminish it.”
Townsend’s daughter Kathryn Griffin Townsend claimed that Sheeran’s song had an uncanny resemblance to her father’s song. Her lawyers showed a video clip of the Perfect singer playing a mash-up of “Thinking Out Loud” and “Let’s Get It On” during a live performance.
They presented the clip as a self-explanatory confession from the singer. However, Sheeran hit back explaining that he frequently plays similar mashups at his concerts. The singer said that he had previously mixed the song with Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” and Van Morrison’s “Crazy in Love.”
He explained many different pop songs have similar base chords, adding that he’d have to be “quite an idiot to stand on a stage in front of 20,000 people and do that.”
Ed Sheeran also criticized the plaintiff’s expert witness, musicologist Alexander Stewart, after Stewart played an AI version of “Let’s Get It On,” in the courtroom. The Bad Habits singer said:
“If I have to be honest, what he’s doing here is criminal. I don’t know why he’s allowed to be an expert.”
The singer said that he co-wrote “Thinking Out Loud” with Amy Wage after he began a new relationship and after his grandfather died. He said that Wadge started strumming the chords, which led to the creation of the track. Both artists collaborated on the lyrics, which initially included the phrase “I’m singing out now.”
The trial is taking place right around the time when the singer has planned to release his upcoming album, “-,” Subtract on Friday, May 5.
You can also share any questions you have about Ed Sheeran. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
Make sure you share, subscribe to our push notifications, and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest updates.
Don’t forget to check out more of our original content from the list below:
Dua Lipa wore a 100 carat diamond necklace | Kim Kardashian attends the Gala | Jared Leto in a cat suit | Dark Brandon meme explained | Flounder images from Disney’s Little Mermaid | New Hunger Games movie | Jennifer Aniston has dinner with ex-husband | Kim Kardashian’s lookalike dies | Man climbs news tower in California | Chucky Season 3 | Barbie with Down syndrome | Nate Diaz chokes person during brawl | World Penguin Day | JK Rowling mocks boycotters | Pete Davidson pushes fan
