Why did Ed Sheeran say ‘Mate, I ain’t doing it’ after being offered the first gig in space?

Ed Sheeran recently shared that one offer he simply couldn’t say yes to was performing the very first gig in space. Though it sounds like something out of sci-fi, the “Shape of You” singer revealed the invitation came, and he turned it down. The reason? Fear, responsibility, and a belief that space travel isn’t yet something to sign up for lightly.

When speaking with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2, Ed Sheeran said the idea of going into space “terrifies” him. He said he might consider it one day when spaceflight feels as normal as booking a cheap flight to France but not now. At this moment, he doesn’t want to be someone’s test subject, especially with two daughters depending on him. He emphasised that he’s got no interest in risking being a fatherless kid’s dad just for a record or headline.

Why Ed Sheeran said “Mate, I ain’t doing it” after being offered the first gig in space

What really caught attention was how he framed his refusal. This wasn’t a polite “no thanks,” but a blunt declaration:

“Mate, I ain’t doing it.”

The offer, he said, came “a while ago” likely from someone floating the idea of staging a concert in orbit.

What made it viral was how relatable and human he sounded. He’s not rejecting space for dramatic effect; he’s speaking about fear. The unknown danger. The fact that spaceflight still carries risk. And crucially, being a father changes the stakes. He said he has kids, and he isn’t willing to gamble on something life-threatening just to make history or chase a Guinness World Record.

Also compelling is his comparison: Ed Sheeran would rather explore Earth. He mentioned places he hasn’t yet visited like Greenland that feel more meaningful than being among the first to perform off-planet.

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People latched onto this because it shows the other side of fame: even superstars have fears, boundaries, and a sense of what’s worth risking. It isn’t every day someone famous says “no” to what sounds like a dream (a space gig!), but Sheeran makes the “no” feel sensible, even admirable.

To conclude, Ed Sheeran’s decision to refuse a gig in space isn’t about lacking ambition or excitement. It’s about timing, safety, and family. He’s shown that big opportunities are not always meant to be seized immediately especially when the cost could be too high. For now, he’d rather stay grounded, literally, until space travel is safer, more routine, and less uncertain than it is today.

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