Clanabogan musician performs in the pub with Ed Sheeran

A CLANABOGAN woman had the experience of a lifetime when she performed a secret gig alongside global superstar Ed Sheeran last weekend.

Shari Stacher, a psychotherapist now living in Belfast, regularly travels to England to perform with her band Fishclaw, which she helped form 12 years ago in Essex. It was through one of her bandmates that the connection to Sheeran came about.

“One of the guys in Suffolk struck up a close friendship with Ed over the past few months,” Shari explained. “Ed’s been doing these pop-up pubs and low-key gigs, and he asked if we wanted to join him – so we jumped at the opportunity!”

On Saturday, the band took to The Thomas Wolsey pub in Ipswich for a surprise session with the Grammy-winning singer. Shari, who played the tin whistle beside the star, said the atmosphere was relaxed and informal.“Our style of music comes from playing in sessions, and I believe Ed also comes from that background.

“So recently at his pubs he’s been having people jump in and play in a session-style performance.

“He likes that cool, casual kind of vibe – nothing too strict.”

Describing Sheeran as a ‘real gentleman’, Shari said the experience was ‘incredible’ and one they’ll never forget. “The whole thing was just incredible and so much fun, we all had a really good time.” However, the performance was kept tightly under wraps. “I was sworn to secrecy until after the gig,” Shari added. “I can’t really say why, but I guess it’s about keeping crowds and paparazzi away.”