Ed Sheeran says he 'almost killed' Elton John shooting a music video
It almost wasn't a very merry Christmas for Ed Sheeran.
The "Shape of You" singer revealed in an interview on Apple Music that when he shot a recent Christmas music video with Elton John, he almost accidentally "killed him with a bell."
The two singers released their music video "Merry Christmas" last week, and Sheeran noted there was a moment during shooting when he kicked a present that "had a big metal bell on top of it." The bell "flew past [John's] head and would have cracked him in the head," Sheeran revealed. Footage of this apparently exists, and Sheeran said he just showed it to John.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"The horror that went through my body when it was flying through the air," Sheeran recalled.
The "Merry Christmas" video dropped on Dec. 3, and Sheeran explained it was John who called him and suggested they collaborate on a Christmas song. Sheeran said he hadn't imagined himself making a song for the holidays but decided to jump at this opportunity, noting "I've always wanted to work with him, and this made the most sense." The song includes lyrics like "I know there's been pain this year, but it's time to let it go" — and based on Sheeran's anecdote, it sounds like that nearly became all too real. Thankfully, John is still standing.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published