Ed Sheeran fans have reason to celebrate as the artist has unveiled a striking new electric guitar in his latest music video for “Drive,” a song featured in the highly-anticipated film “F1: The Movie.” This unique instrument has been created in collaboration with PRS Guitars, showcasing a blend of Sheeran’s musical style and the adrenaline of Formula 1.
The one-off model is a fully bespoke SE Hollowbody Baritone, finished in a vibrant classic red paint to capture the essence of high-performance race cars. The fretboard boasts an innovative design that includes a vintage racer shift gate inlay at the 12th fret, complemented by additional yellow bird inlays, adding to its eye-catching appeal. Sheeran expressed enthusiasm for the project: “I wanted to create a bespoke guitar with PRS for the F1 movie. It’s a fantastic guitar, I’ve done a few shows with it now and it knocks.”
PRG Guitars’ Director of Artist and Community Relations, Bev Fowler, shared insights on collaborating with Sheeran, acknowledging his extensive experience with their instruments since 2018. She noted that he had a clear vision regarding the guitar’s aesthetics and functionality: “This unique creation will be incredibly memorable once the video is released.”
In addition to the new electric guitar, Sheeran has a long-standing relationship with PRS, having used several models, including a stock Custom 22 and a one-off purple Silver Sky gifted by John Mayer. His acoustic sounds are often associated with the Martin LX1E, even as he has explored creating his line of guitars under the brand Sheeran by Lowden, in collaboration with renowned luthier George Lowden.
Notably, “Drive” not only showcases Sheeran’s talent but also features contributions from John Mayer on guitars and Dave Grohl on drums, promising a musical collaboration that resonates across various genres.
This collaboration reflects a larger trend of integration between music and film, particularly with the exhilarating world of motorsports, which could inspire fans and musicians alike. The anticipation surrounding both the song and the film suggests a promising avenue for innovative entertainment that combines artistry and sport.