Ed Sheeran breaks New Zealand and Australia tour records

AAP

1 Mar, 2018 07:05 AM3 mins to read

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is seen during a Q&A session with the media at Optus Stadium in Perth today ahead of his tour. Photo / AAP

Ed Sheeran says it "feels weird" to think that about one in 23 people in Australia will see him perform on his record-breaking stadium tour.

The English musician has officially sold a record one million tickets for his 18-show Divide tour of Australia and New Zealand, smashing Dire Straits' record of 950,000 set in 1986.

"I do actually think it's my biggest market - this and Ireland," Sheeran told reporters in Perth on Thursday.

"It feels weird to have one in 23 people come to a show, that does feel odd.

"But it's best not to think about it. It's best just to take it one show at a time."

Sheeran will begin his tour in Perth, performing the first concert at the new Optus Stadium on Friday, but says he is not nervous.

In a world first, the Grammy winner will also offer exclusive merchandise to Australian fans through Divide pop-up stores.

Sheeran will be joined on tour by Missy Higgins and says he likes to have support acts who have influenced him.

"It's a bit awkward, everyone keeps telling her that I had a crush on her," he laughed.

"It was a long time ago and the interview was a long time ago as well. I didn't think I'd actually meet her."

Sheeran has been fishing in Perth during this visit, although he failed to catch any, and says he wants to avoid being stuck in a hotel room.

But he has no plans to add a quokka tattoo to his koala tattoo, which he received on a previous visit to WA.

"I've already got my Perth tattoo, I think if I was to get (another) one I'd get 'Brisvegas' or something," he quipped.

The best-selling recording artist of last year promises he will perform his most popular hits.

"The show differs every night but the songs that people want to hear, they will hear ... unless they're into really niche tunes from like 10 years ago."

But Sheeran says he is surprised when he plays a "random" album track and everyone still knows the lyrics.

Some eager fans have already begun camping at the stadium, with one group of friends planning to attend every show.

Sheeran says he hopes they enjoy the 18th concert as much as the first.

The 27-year-old also maintains he will "slow down" when he has children.

"I'm not going to spend two years at a time going on tour. I'll tour for three months a year like normal people do," he said.

"I'm never going to stop making music but your priorities shift."

• Sheeran will perform in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Dunedin.