Ed Sheeran’s incredible surprise appearance at Mushroom 50 Live celebration

The British megastar made an unexpected appearance at a star-studded music event in Melbourne – but there was a twist.

Pop megastar Ed Sheeran has joined iconic Aussie band, Hunters and Collectors, for a joint performance from opposite sides of the world in an incredible musical feat.

The British musician used technological assistance to pay tribute to his mentor, Mushroom founder Michael Gudinski, with an emotional rendition of Throw Your Arms Around Me on Sunday night.

Sheeran joined the Mushroom 50 Live celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: Channel 7

He performed alongside Hunters and Collectors frontman, Mark Seymour. Picture: Channel 7

It was part of a star-studded four-and-a-half concert in honour of the Mushroom Group’s 50th birthday, which was broadcast on Seven, and also featured performances by Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, The Temper Trap, Missy Higgins and Kate Ceberano.

Incredibly, Sheeran’s prerecorded section of Throw Your Arms Around Me remained mostly in sync with Hunters and Collectors frontman, Mark Seymour, who delivered his part live from the stage at Rod Laver Arena.

Ed Sheeran joined the Mushroom 50 Live celebrations in Melbourne. Picture: Channel 7

Gudinski, who founded the record label in 1972, passed away at 68 in March 2021, sparking an outpouring of grief throughout the music industry.

There were plenty of emotionally-charged moments during the Mushroom 50 Live celebrations, with artists paying tribute to the man who nurtured their careers as they took to the stage.

Kylie Minogue was among those who paid tribute to Gudinski during the concert. Picture: Supplied.

Her sister, Dannii, posed alongside a statue of the music legend beforehand. Picture: Mushroom Creative House

Meanwhile, Sheeran’s involvement in the Mushroom show came as no surprise, given his exceptionally close relationship with Gudinski.

The English singer-songwriter previously opened up about their bond at the music legend’s state memorial in Melbourne, and broke down in tears while performing a song in his honour.

Sheeran also posted a tribute on Instagram shortly after Gudinski’s death, describing him as being like a “father figure” to him and a “tornado of joy”.

“Nothing will fill the void he left in our lives, but the memories we all have of him will live on,” the post read.

“In between the tears there has been laughter and joy remembering this Titan of a man.”

Originally published as Ed Sheeran’s incredible surprise appearance at Mushroom 50 Live celebration