Last night, London hosted a moving memorial concert in honor of Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist whose work transformed the world’s understanding of chimpanzees, conservation, and the importance of empathy toward all living beings. Among the evening’s many tributes, Ed Sheeran delivered a performance that left attendees and viewers alike in tears, marking one of the most emotional moments of his career.
Standing alone on a softly lit stage, Ed greeted the audience with a quiet reverence. “This is for Jane — a woman who taught the world what it truly means to care,” he said, his voice steady yet tender. Then, he launched into an intimate acoustic rendition of “Photograph,” a song already known for its emotional depth, now imbued with the memory and spirit of Goodall.
As he played, the massive screens behind him displayed archival footage of Jane Goodall’s life — from her early days at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania to decades of tireless advocacy for wildlife and the environment. The visuals showed her studying chimpanzees, guiding young conservationists, and smiling warmly during public appearances, a testament to her lifelong dedication.
Halfway through the song, Ed paused, clearly moved by the images before him. He whispered to the crowd, “She showed us that love is not just between people — it’s between all living things.” The room, filled with scientists, environmentalists, celebrities, and Jane’s closest friends, remained in silence, absorbing the gravity of his words. Some attendees dabbed at their eyes, while others gently touched green ribbons pinned to their jackets — a symbolic nod to Goodall’s conservation work.
The performance’s intimate tone, paired with Ed’s signature emotional vulnerability, made it more than a song; it was a celebration of a life devoted to kindness and understanding. Every strum of the guitar echoed the message that compassion, patience, and empathy could indeed change the world.
When the final notes lingered in the hall, Ed set his guitar down and looked upward, a soft smile on his face. “Thank you, Jane, for reminding us that kindness still matters,” he said quietly, prompting a standing ovation that seemed to stretch on forever. Many in the audience could barely hold back tears, overwhelmed by the combination of music, memories, and the sheer impact of Jane Goodall’s legacy.
Moments later, the Jane Goodall Institute shared a short clip of the performance on social media, captioning it:
“A voice for the planet meets a voice for the heart. Thank you, @EdSheeran, for this beautiful tribute.”
Fans online responded in kind, flooding the post with heartfelt messages like “Ed captured Jane’s spirit perfectly” and “This performance reminded us why she mattered so much.”
@vote.for.nature A Special Dedication: Chris Martin (@chrismartinfeed, @coldplay) and Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) Honor Jane Goodall (@janegoodallinst) at Global Citizen NYC 🎶🌍✨ During a memorable moment on stage at the @glblctzn festival, Chris Martin dedicated a song to Jane Goodall, performing alongside Ed Sheeran. To make the tribute even more personal, Chris greeted Jane with her iconic chimpanzee sounds, honoring her lifelong work with primates and conservation. 🐒💚 Earlier, backstage, Chris and Jane shared an inspiring conversation about how to protect the environment and the significance of voting for nature. Their mutual commitment to the planet made the dedication all the more meaningful. 🎥 Video Credit: Richard Ladkani and Malaika Pictures.
For Ed Sheeran, the performance was more than a musical tribute; it was a personal testament to the enduring influence of Jane Goodall. Her work inspired millions, and last night, through his heartfelt voice and delicate guitar, Ed ensured her spirit resonated once more — a reminder that compassion, patience, and love for the planet will never fade.
A voice for the people, a tribute to a legend.
