British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recently revealed that he has not yet re-recorded his collaboration with Taylor Swift, “End Game,” for her upcoming re-recorded album.
The original version of “End Game” appeared on Swift’s 2017 album Reputation and featured Sheeran as well as rapper Future. It was the third single released from that album.
During an appearance on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM radio show, Cohen asked Sheeran if he and Swift had recorded a new version of “End Game” yet. “No, I haven’t. No. No,” Sheeran responded, adding that Swift’s next re-recorded album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is slated to come out next.
Swift is currently in the process of re-recording her first six albums after the rights were sold by her former label. Sheeran did join Swift to record a new version of their duet “Everything Has Changed” for her 2021 re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version).
While Sheeran would love to see Swift’s Eras Tour, their touring schedules conflict this year. However, when Swift brings her tour to the UK in 2024, Sheeran is hoping to attend.
Sheeran and Swift have been friends and collaborators for over a decade. They first met in 2012 and Sheeran went on to open for Swift’s 2013-14 Red Tour.
Beyond their musical collaborations, Sheeran says he and Swift share a deep friendship and understand each other’s lives in a way few others can.
In a 2021 interview, Sheeran credited Swift for introducing him to producer Aaron Dessner, who went on to produce Sheeran’s latest album. Dessner also produced Swift’s acclaimed albums Folklore and Evermore.
“I have to be honest I was a bit reticent to work with him that soon after folklore and evermore because I felt that was Taylors thing and they had both been done so perfectly,” Sheeran said. “But we met for dinner, chatted about life and music, and he promised to send me some instrumentals for me to write over whenever inspiration hit.”
Sheeran went on to describe Swift as “one of the only people that actually truly understands where I’m at.” He explained that they often have long conversations covering everything on their minds.
“That has all the things that you feel and have insecurities about and how other people treat you or how your family treats you, how your friends treat you,” Sheeran said about his conversations with Swift. “She’s basically in the same sphere.”
The close friends clearly understand the challenges and pressures facing global pop stars at their level. Despite busy schedules, they make time to connect and offer each other support.
Fans are eager to hear Sheeran and Swift’s musical chemistry again on re-recorded songs like “End Game.” For now, Swifties are gearing up for the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October, which does not feature Sheeran.
Swift’s Eras Tour is earning rave reviews as she takes fans through the musical journey of her career so far. She is recombining hits and fan favorites from all her albums, both old and re-recorded.
Meanwhile, Sheeran is out touring in support of his 2021 album = (Equals), which was his first new material in four years.
Both superstar singers have packed touring schedules through 2023. But there are surely more Sheeran-Swift collaborations to come down the road when their schedules align again.
For over a decade, the two hitmakers have proven they create magic together in the studio. Swifties and Sheeran supporters alike are eager to hear what that magic sounds like on the Reputation re-recordings and any future projects.
Until then, fans can reminisce about “Everything Has Changed” and look forward to what’s next from two of pop’s biggest icons.
