[1] On 2 March 2021, Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski died at the age of 68.

He finished the song during his two weeks of mandatory quarantine because of COVID-19 rules due to his decision to travel to Australia.

On 19 August 2021, Sheeran released the song as a promotional single and announced the album.

[3] A live performance video, which was filmed in St. Stephen's Church in Hampstead, London, was also released with the song.

[5] Lyrically, "Visiting Hours" is an ode to the late Michael Gudinski, an Australian music promoter.