A TRIBUTE act from Bradford, who impersonates one of the world's biggest music stars, is performing out in Turkey this weekend.
Cullingworth's Ben Jordan only started to offer his services as Ed Sheeran tribute act 'In The Loop' a few months ago.
Yet he has already starred at various festivals up and down the country and now has two gigs booked in Bodrum.
Tonight the 19-year-old will be at The Laughing Leprechaun while he plays at a private party in the city tomorrow.
"It is a fantastic opportunity. Hopefully, I can network with the managers of the other tribute acts on show too."
Ben does it all; the Loop Pedal, all of Sheeran's belters and even the look with the ginger hair and basic outfits.
Asked how and why he went down the root of becoming a tribute act, the teen said: "I started loop gigs when I was younger.
"I have seen Ed live three times. It would be fantastic to one day speak to him and get some advice.
"I have always been a big fan of him. I like how he has got a mix of songs from classic acoustic to rap to more dance/pop songs.
He added: "I performed my first ever gig as a tribute and put it online. It was just a case of the right person seeing it at the right time.
"It is so much fun to do and it has opened so many opportunities for me.
"It has led to bookings across the country in places like Stoke and London.
"The hair has helped but I am not trying to be a lookalike."
The former Parkside School pupil is well aware that being a tribute act can impact an artist's solo endeavours.
But he sees it as a way to build his profile and hopes one day he can make a success off his own name.
"I have put my own music on the back burner," Ben added.
"I have been playing and singing since I was six years old. I have always loved being the centre of attention.
"I am currently studying for a songwriting degree. I have still got a lot to learn, I am only young. I will eventually come back to my own music.
"I am aware being a tribute act raises your own identity but can also hinder your career.
"At the same time, it could lead to me travelling around the world."
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