English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recently shared that he declined a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform the first gig in space. The Grammy-winning artist cited personal fears and family commitments as key reasons for turning down the historic offer.
Fear of Space Travel
Despite the chance to make history, Sheeran admitted that the idea of traveling to space “terrifies” him. He joked that he would consider space only when it becomes as routine as flying to France. “I want to go to space when it’s like flying to France and 40,000 people have done it, and you can just book it online,” he said. He emphasized that he is not willing to act as a “guinea pig” for early space tourism, highlighting the inherent risks involved.
Family Comes First
Family considerations also played a major role in Sheeran’s decision. At 34, he is a devoted father to two young daughters, Lyra, 5, and Jupiter, 3, whom he shares with his wife, Cherry Seaborn. “I’m not going to risk that for a Guinness World Record or something,” he explained. “I’m not going to risk my kids not having a dad.”
Staying Grounded in Music
Instead of venturing into space, Sheeran recently released his new album, Play, and performed a small show in New York City’s Domino Park, keeping his music career grounded while maintaining family priorities.
Contrasting Choices: Katy Perry in Space
In contrast, pop star Katy Perry embraced space performance earlier this year. She joined an all-female crew aboard a Blue Origin launch, spending four minutes in microgravity while singing Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Perry said her motivation was to inspire future women in space, stating, “This is all for the benefit of Earth.”
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has been pioneering commercial spaceflight with reusable rockets. The mission, NS-31, marked the company’s 31st flight and 11th human mission. The New Shepard capsule accommodates six passengers, offering a brief but historic journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
A Personal Philosophy of Balance
While Perry’s adventure captured global headlines, Sheeran’s decision underscores a personal philosophy that balances ambition with caution and family values. For him, the allure of space will have to wait as he continues to explore the world’s wonders safely from the ground, prioritizing both family and music.
