Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco’s unforgettable boat ride

Ed Sheeran recalls a 10-day boat trip with Benny Blanco, complete with Titanic vibes and songwriting magic.

Ed Sheeran recently shared a hilarious story on TikTok about a 10-day boat trip he took with producer Benny Blanco while working on his 2017 album Divide. 

The Grammy-winning artist revealed that Blanco, now engaged to Selena Gomez, had a fear of flying, which led the duo to cross the Atlantic by boat instead of taking a flight.

Sheeran described the journey as surreal, particularly when the ship's captain announced they were passing over the Titanic's sinking site. As other passengers flocked to take photos, Sheeran and Blanco locked eyes and decided to watch Titanic.

“Benny holds me as we watch the movie,” Sheeran joked. “I can’t help thinking, was this his plan all along? Is he going to paint me like one of his French girls?” The singer humorously added, “We could both fit on that wooden door...right?”

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The journey, while unconventional, proved productive. Much of Divide, including its award-winning tracks, was written during the trip. Blanco later conquered his fear and flew a month after the voyage, adding an ironic twist to the story.

Blanco had previously shared his side of the adventure on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, reminiscing about their quirky writing sessions, which even involved an elderly pianist sharing their workspace.

The two remain close friends, with Blanco sharing heartfelt gratitude on Instagram for the transformative experience of working on Divide. Their collaboration not only shaped Sheeran's music but also solidified a bond filled with laughter and creativity.