Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon: When Pop Met Metal

Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon may seem like an unlikely musical pairing. Sheeran is known for melodic pop songs and acoustic guitar; the Sheffield band built its reputation on heavy riffs, fierce vocals and a sound that has shifted from metalcore towards more adventurous rock and electronic music. Yet their collaboration on Bad Habits showed just how naturally those different worlds could meet.

A different take on “Bad Habits”

The collaboration made its high-profile debut at the 2022 BRIT Awards, where Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon performed a reworked version of his hit single. The arrangement transformed the song’s polished pop production into a heavier, more dramatic performance, with the band adding distorted guitars and the unmistakable intensity of frontman Oli Sykes.

A studio version followed, giving listeners the chance to hear the rock-inflected arrangement beyond the awards-show stage. Rather than simply adding volume, the new version reshaped the song’s mood. Its familiar hook remained, but the heavier instrumentation gave the lyrics a darker edge and brought a new urgency to the chorus.

Different sounds, shared instincts

The partnership worked because neither act had to abandon its identity. Sheeran’s knack for memorable melodies sat alongside Bring Me The Horizon’s bold, genre-blending approach. The result was not a conventional pop song with a rock backing track, but a genuine reimagining that gave both artists room to make their mark.

Sheeran has spoken about his affection for rock and metal, while Bring Me The Horizon have long shown an interest in moving beyond the boundaries of a single genre. Their collaboration reflected that shared willingness to experiment—and the idea that musical taste does not have to fit neatly into one category.

A meeting that reached beyond the fanbase

The performance introduced the two acts to each other’s audiences. Pop fans got a glimpse of Bring Me The Horizon’s theatrical energy, while rock and metal listeners heard Sheeran’s songwriting in a fresh setting. It also offered a reminder that unexpected collaborations can work best when they are built on mutual curiosity rather than novelty alone.

Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon’s version of Bad Habits remains a striking example of pop and heavy music meeting on equal terms. It took a familiar hit, pushed it into new territory and demonstrated how much can happen when artists are open to hearing a song—and each other—differently.

 

Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon: A Dynamic Blend of Pop and Rock

1. Blends pop melodies with heavy rock energy.
2. Gives “Bad Habits” a fresh sound.
3. Showcases both acts’ musical versatility.
4. Pairs Ed Sheeran’s songwriting with Oli Sykes’ vocals.
5. Brings pop and rock audiences together.
6. Adds dramatic intensity to the original track.
7. Highlights Bring Me The Horizon’s genre-bending style.
8. Makes for a memorable live collaboration.

 

Potential Drawbacks of Ed Sheeran’s Collaboration with Bring Me the Horizon

1. The heavier sound may not suit every Ed Sheeran fan.
2. Some may prefer the original “Bad Habits”.
3. The collaboration can feel like a novelty.
4. The contrasting styles may not blend for everyone.
5. It offers little new for fans of either artist.

Blends pop melodies with heavy rock energy.

One of the biggest strengths of Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon’s collaboration is the way it blends catchy pop melodies with the raw energy of heavy rock. Sheeran’s memorable hooks give the song an immediate appeal, while the band’s powerful guitars and intense sound add a darker, more forceful edge. The contrast makes the track feel fresh and gives fans of both artists something unexpected to enjoy.

Gives “Bad Habits” a fresh sound.

Bringing Ed Sheeran together with Bring Me The Horizon gives “Bad Habits” a fresh sound, transforming its sleek pop production with heavier guitars, powerful vocals and a more dramatic edge. The familiar melody remains, but the rock-inspired arrangement adds new energy and intensity, making the song feel exciting all over again.

Showcases both acts’ musical versatility.

The collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon showcases both acts’ musical versatility. Sheeran’s memorable pop songwriting takes on a heavier edge, while the band’s powerful rock sound adapts to the melody and structure of “Bad Habits”. Rather than simply blending two styles, the performance gives each artist room to bring something distinctive, showing how comfortably they can step beyond their usual musical territory.

Pairs Ed Sheeran’s songwriting with Oli Sykes’ vocals.

The collaboration brings together Ed Sheeran’s gift for crafting memorable melodies with Oli Sykes’ distinctive, powerful vocals. Sheeran’s songwriting gives the track an instantly recognisable hook, while Sykes adds intensity and a darker edge, creating a fresh take that draws on the strengths of both artists.

Brings pop and rock audiences together.

The collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon brings pop and rock audiences together by blending Sheeran’s catchy songwriting with the band’s heavier sound. Their reimagined version of “Bad Habits” gives pop listeners a taste of rock and metal, while introducing Bring Me The Horizon fans to the song’s memorable melodies. The result celebrates what can happen when different musical styles—and their audiences—meet.

Adds dramatic intensity to the original track.

Bring Me The Horizon’s contribution gives Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” a dramatic intensity that sets it apart from the original. Heavier guitars, forceful vocals and a more powerful arrangement bring a darker, more urgent edge to the song, amplifying its tension while keeping its memorable melody intact.

Highlights Bring Me The Horizon’s genre-bending style.

The collaboration highlights Bring Me The Horizon’s genre-bending style, bringing their heavy guitars and bold, dynamic sound to Ed Sheeran’s pop hit “Bad Habits”. By blending metal and pop without losing the character of either, the performance shows the band’s ability to experiment and connect with listeners across musical genres.

Makes for a memorable live collaboration.

Ed Sheeran’s collaboration with Bring Me The Horizon makes for a memorable live experience, bringing together his instantly recognisable pop melodies and the band’s explosive rock sound. Their performance of “Bad Habits” at the 2022 BRIT Awards turned a familiar hit into a dramatic, high-energy spectacle, delighting fans with an unexpected meeting of musical worlds.

The heavier sound may not suit every Ed Sheeran fan.

The heavier sound of Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon’s version of “Bad Habits” may not appeal to every Sheeran fan. Distorted guitars, forceful vocals and a more intense arrangement take the song a long way from his usual pop style, so listeners who prefer the original’s lighter, polished sound might find this version too loud or abrasive.

Some may prefer the original “Bad Habits”.

Some listeners may prefer Ed Sheeran’s original version of “Bad Habits”, with its sleek pop production and lighter, dance-inspired feel. The heavier guitars and more intense vocals in the collaboration with Bring Me The Horizon give the song a darker edge, which may not appeal to fans who enjoy the original’s polished, upbeat sound.

The collaboration can feel like a novelty.

One drawback of Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon’s collaboration is that it can feel like a novelty rather than a lasting creative partnership. The contrast between Sheeran’s polished pop sound and the band’s heavier style grabs attention, but that surprise may overshadow the music itself. For some listeners, the collaboration’s appeal lies more in the unexpected pairing than in a deeper blend of the artists’ distinct approaches.

The contrasting styles may not blend for everyone.

The collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon may not appeal to everyone, as its contrasting styles do not always blend seamlessly. Sheeran’s polished pop melodies sit alongside the band’s heavier guitars and intense vocals, creating a dramatic sound that some listeners may find thrilling but others may feel is an uneasy mix. Fans who prefer either artist’s usual sound might find the arrangement less satisfying than the original.

It offers little new for fans of either artist.

Despite the novelty of seeing Ed Sheeran and Bring Me The Horizon share a stage, their take on “Bad Habits” may offer little that is genuinely new for fans of either artist. Sheeran’s familiar melody remains at its core, while the heavier guitars and vocals draw on a sound Bring Me The Horizon have explored in other genre-crossing collaborations. For listeners already familiar with both artists, the performance may feel more like an entertaining blend of established styles than a bold creative departure.

Tags: bad habits, bring me the horizon, brit awards 2022, catchy melodies, ed sheeran, ed sheeran bring me the horizon, genre blending, heavy rock, metal, musical experimentation, musical versatility, oli sykes, pop, pop-rock collaboration, powerful vocals, reworked arrangement, sheffield band, songwriting