Ed Sheeran credits Busted as huge inspiration and joins band for surprise performance

Ed Sheeran pulled off the ultimate surprise during Busted’s Tuesday night show in London and showered the singers with praise for inspiring a generation.

The 32-year-old international superstar thrilled fans at The 02 after he suddenly appeared on stage just in time to help the bandmembers belt out their track Who’s David.

Before Ed’s big on-stage reveal, Busted – featuring Charlie Simpson, James Bourne and Matt Willis – began asking the crowd: ‘Is there anyone called David here?’

The noughties boyband repeated themselves a number of times before switching out the name and exclaiming: ‘Is there anyone called Ed here?’

After teasing a confused crowd, the band welcoming the Give Me Love singer on to the stage following which a massive roar erupted across the concert venue.

Ed kicked things off, strumming the chords to the 2004 banger on his signature acoustic guitar and took centre stage while Busted surrounded him on either side.

Ed joined the band onstage (Picture: Sabrina Barr)

The singer praised the stars for inspiring him at an early age (Picture: Getty Images)

After singing his last note, Ed took a moment to address excited fans before saying goodbye for the evening.

He was heard saying: ‘London, before I go can I just say these guys were the reason that so many people of my age and my generation picked up a guitar and I don’t think they get enough credit for it.

‘Please give a round of applause for these absolute legends – thank you so much for having me!’

‘Surprise b****es’, guitarist Matt screamed into the microphone as Ed turned his back and made his way off the stage.

Fans posted clips of the iconic moment to TikTok and commented their shock at what they witnessed in the London-based arena.

One penned: ‘Fulfilled my childhood dreams tonight and it was a big slay, banger after banger ok goodnight xoxo.’

The band announced their return after a 20-year break (Picture: Redferns)

They rose to fame in the early 2000s (Picture: Shutterstock)

Another said: ‘Still can’t believe that I got to witness this’, while a separate social media account noted: ‘Oh my god, no wayyyy, I am so jealous!’

Elsewhere during the star-studded gig, Busted were joined by their support act Hanson – an American pop-rock band – who helped them bash out Sleeping With The Light On and MMMBop.

Earlier this year, the Year 3000 singers revealed they were heading back out on tour after 20 years for a special 15-date extravaganza.

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‘I don’t think they get enough credit’.