Ipswich Town Football Club's Portman Road is set to welcome global superstar Ed Sheeran in July 2025, but he is not the first big name to grace the stadium. Over the years, a plethora of iconic artists have rocked the venue, leaving unforgettable memories for fans.
One of the most notable performances at Portman Road was by the late Tina Turner, who took the stage in 1990 as part of her Foreign Affair tour. This concert marked a significant milestone as it was the first-ever concert held at the stadium. Turner, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 83, enthralled the audience with classic hits like "What's Love Got to Do With It," "Proud Mary," and "Show Some Respect."
Rod Stewart is another artist who has made a lasting impression on Portman Road, performing three times throughout his career. His first show in 1991 attracted 25,000 fans, with a memorable moment being when he kicked a football into the crowd to kick off the concert. He returned in 2007, undeterred by torrential rain, and once again in 2019, performing to a crowd of 19,000.
Canadian rock star Bryan Adams also left his mark on the venue, performing in 1992 during his Waking Up the World tour. Adams was supported by acts like Squeeze, Little Angels, and Extreme, and his encore included the timeless classic "Summer of '69."
The legendary band Dire Straits graced the stage in 1992, just nine months after the release of their sixth studio album, On Every Street. Tickets for this concert were priced at £21, and the band was supported by Was (Not Was) and Lyle Lovett.
Sir Elton John, a frequent performer at Portman Road, first took the stage in 2004, attracting 23,000 fans. His performance was the first concert at the stadium in 12 years, and the atmosphere was described as "amazing" by BBC Suffolk reporter Oli Moorman. John returned to the venue in 2017, supported by Jake Isaac, and delighted fans with hits like "Rocket Man" and "Your Song."
In 2005, American rock band R.E.M. performed at Portman Road during their Around the Sun tour, just a day after the tragic London bombings that killed 52 people. Frontman Michael Stipe began the concert by emphasizing the importance of community and celebration, performing songs like "Everybody Hurts" and "Losing My Religion."
Neil Diamond also entertained fans at Portman Road in 2005, performing a two-hour set filled with his greatest hits. Despite some fans expressing disappointment over the absence of "Song Sung Blue," the performance was still met with enthusiasm.
Another highlight came in 2006 when the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed to a sold-out crowd of 28,000 fans. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis famously opened the show by jokingly asking, "Ipswich? Where's Ipswich?" The concert featured hits like "Californication" and "Can't Stop," with BBC reporter Jim Connolly noting that the crowd was ecstatic.
P!nk brought her Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour to Portman Road in 2010, showcasing her unique blend of music and acrobatics. The following year, Barry Manilow performed at the venue, marking the first show since P!nk's appearance.
As Ed Sheeran prepares to return to Portman Road for three shows in July 2025, it’s worth noting that he previously performed there in 2021 during TikTok's UEFA Euro 2020 show, albeit without a live audience. Sheeran has also graced other venues in Ipswich, including a performance in Chantry Park in 2019.
With a rich history of legendary performances, Portman Road continues to be a significant venue for music lovers, and the anticipation for Sheeran's upcoming shows is palpable. Tickets for the July performances are set to go on sale soon, and fans are eager to witness another chapter in the storied legacy of this iconic stadium.
