was joined by Ukrainian band Antytila as he took to the stage in Warsaw this week.
The Bad Habits hitmaker invited the band to join him for the show, attended by 156,000 people, after they teamed up to record a new version of Sheeran’s 2step to raise money for Music Saves UA, a non-profit fundraising project providing humanitarian aid for people in .
Antytila, fronted by lead singer Taras Topolia, made a surprise appearance at Ed’s show, with the singer sharing photos from the big night, including a snap of them holding up a Ukrainian flag.
‘156,000 in Warsaw !’ he wrote. ‘One of our favourites from the whole tour. Thank you @antytila_official for coming across the border to sing with me, and thank you Poland ! What a time x.’
Antytila also shared sweet photos with Ed, penning in their caption: ‘Finally we met and sang together 2Step. We haven’t performed for months.
‘Warsaw, 80 000 people, live performance and our Ukrainian flag!
‘This gig was really important for us and for Ukraine. @teddysphotos , friend! You know all personally! Thank you and all your team for your work and your support. We appreciate that you are next to us!
‘And thank you Poland for such warm meeting! Your support for all these 6 months is incredible!’
Over the next 12 months, worldwide royalties from YouTube streams of the official video, and Warner Music’s proceeds from the streams, will be donated to the project.
Various members of the band are also serving on the front line amid the war with Russia.
In May, lead singer Taras told the BBC of their song: ‘It is a simple but very dramatic story.
‘It is not just only my story, it is the story of millions of Ukrainian people, whose peaceful life was interrupted by war.’
Ed previously revealed
He later confirmed that all proceeds from the song and video would go to the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
In his at the time, set to a black screen, Ed wrote: ‘I filmed the video for 2step in the city of Kyiv, Ukraine before the devastating acts of violence started to take place.
‘It was my first time visiting the country and I felt so welcomed during my stay there.
‘Everyone from the production crew to the many people I met across my days off.
He continued: ‘Ukraine is a proud and resilient country and I’m grateful to have had the chance to film my video there.
‘I stand with Ukraine.’
