Collaboration Confirmed
Dani Filth has once again discussed Cradle Of Filth’s eagerly awaited collaboration with Ed Sheeran, stating that it is “done and dusted”.
The extreme metal band’s unexpected pairing with Sheeran was first reported back in 2021. Filth had previously shared that he had been in touch with the pop star, who even invited him “to his home.”
Details About The Song
He also mentioned that the “Shape Of You” singer is a “huge fan” of Cradle Of Filth. “I think collaborating with Ed Sheeran would be a lot of fun,” Filth expressed at that time. “I think it would be great if we did it for charity because at least it would give it a little credibility.”
Recently, during a speech on The Downbeat Podcast, Filth confirmed that the collaboration is “done and dusted” and noted that it sounds “great.”
“We recorded it about two years ago,” he explained (via Metal Sucks). “It was unusual because we had been planning to do this for about a year and a half.”
Filth elaborated: “I think our managers got in touch with each other somehow. His manager Stuart (Camp) listened to Coal Chamber (the band that includes Cradle Of Filth manager Dez Fafara) when he was growing up.”
Regarding the delay in releasing the single, he explained on the podcast: “We didn’t want to release it then because we were busy with other projects. Then (Sheeran) couldn’t release it as he was involved with numerous other commitments. So it will just come out when it happens. We didn’t want to include it on the album.”
Filth continued by describing the sound of the collaboration: “It’s a brand new Cradle Of Filth song featuring Ed Sheeran, and much of it resembles Ed Sheeran’s style. He plays acoustic guitar and sings, but a lot of it also sounds like us.
“There’s a blast beat, a scream. Ed is putting in a lot of effort too. He does rock vocals. It’s all about affirmation— a bit about self-affirmation. This is a really good song. Only a handful of people (have heard it). Even my mom hasn’t heard it.”
You can watch the full video interview above, where Filth also discusses Cradle Of Filth’s latest single “Malignant Perfection”.
Future Plans
In 2022, Filth revealed that Sheeran “expressed a desire to be part of the song and we’re exploring some options, and that’s pretty much all that has transpired.” Later that year, Filth mentioned that Sheeran had “recorded part of” their joint track. However, progress was momentarily halted due to the birth of Sheeran’s second child.
Over Christmas 2022, Filth posted a new photo with Sheeran and producer Scott Atkins together in a pub. He then tentatively suggested a release date for summer 2023, but the collaboration did not surface.
In January, the singer provided further updates, hinting that the song might release in early 2025. “But it is what it is,” he added. “Obviously, he is one of the greatest artists in the world, and we have to respect his schedule (…) And of course, we want him to be in the video, so if that happens, we should aim to release this single with him next year.”
The idea of collaborating originated when Sheeran mentioned in an interview that he “wouldn’t be against” recording a metal album. During that same discussion, he revealed that he was “really into death metal as a kid” and had a significant appreciation for Cradle Of Filth and Slipknot.
Since then, he has collaborated with Bring Me The Horizon at BRIT 2022 to perform a reimagined version of his hit ‘Bad Habits’. Shortly after, an alternate version featuring both artists was officially released. Sheeran later made a guest appearance with BMTH at Reading 2022 to perform the song again.
Last year, the Autumn Variations star joined forces with Limp Bizkit in the Netherlands and performed alongside The Offspring in the US. In late 2023, he played “Love Is Only A Feeling” with The Darkness after surprising the audience as a support act for the band in London.
Cradle Of Filth is anticipated to return to the UK this summer for Download Festival 2025.
Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran recently announced that he has completed his next album, which will enable him to “return to big pop music.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/dani-filth-continues-to-talk-up-ed-sheeran-and-cradle-of-filth-collab-3826763?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dani-filth-continues-to-talk-up-ed-sheeran-and-cradle-of-filth-collab
