Ed Sheeran's mentor Elton John says he's advised Ed for years as his manager and when Ed was considering taking time off he asked Elton who said, "Ed, even I'm sick of you. Go away." And he did. He just went to the Far East with his girlfriend, had a great time, put on a lot of weight, ate food and came back. One thing I said to him when he went, I said, "Don't put on weight," because he's very prone to put on weight like I am. And he came back heavy, but he lost it all for the album. He just went away and had a great time. And it was the most brilliant thing he could have done, because it refreshes your soul – not that I ever did it. I'm not one for going to the Far East and walking around with a backpack on; I just find that not my cup of tea"
Remember when Elton and Ed performed at the Grammy's? That was thanks to Elton having his back. When the Grammy's said Ed wasn't a big enough star Elton came back with "Well, how about if I do a duet with him on 'The A Team?'" And then he got on. So, those are the sort of things that I've done in the background to help him. But it would have happened anyway because he's just a force of nature. This is why I wanted to start a management company, to say to these kids, "I've been here. You need to do this. I can help you because I am who I am," and he's been forever grateful. You know, I love him to death."