Global superstar Ed Sheeran brought his record-breaking + – = ÷ x Tour to Shillong after a riveting performance in Bengaluru.
Produced and promoted by AEG Presents Asia and BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, this highly anticipated performance marked Ed Sheeran’s debut in Shillong.
Fans were treated to an intimate and electrifying experience, with the concert turning into a monumental event. This performance was not just a concert, but an event that set the stage for an unforgettable journey across the country.
Before Ed Sheeran took the stage, the evening started off with an electrifying performance by Kayan, the multi-talented singer, songwriter and DJ known for her soulful voice and genre-blending tracks such as ‘Cool Kids’, an acoustic version of ‘Iris’ and ‘Hold Me Down’. She left the audience mesmerised with a stunning set, building the perfect anticipation for Ed’s highly awaited performance.
As the sun began to set, the anticipation in the air was palpable and the moment Ed Sheeran took the stage donning a t-shirt that said ‘Shillong’ celebrating the city, the crowd erupted in cheers! Ed looked out at the audience and said, “Shillong, how are you feeling? Thank you so much for coming here. It’s my first time here! I’m so happy to be here.”
Opening with ‘Castle on the Hill’, the atmosphere instantly ignited and fans couldn’t help but join in, singing along to every word. The evening was set ablaze with energy and it was clear that the concert would be more than just a typical performance—it was a shared experience. Before he played ‘A team’ Ed shared a heartfelt moment, saying, “I’m gonna play you a song I wrote when I was 18. When I wrote it, I really thought this song would change everything. I thought this would be my one hit wonder. 15 years later to come to places I’ve never travelled to before and play it in font of an audience – it blows my mind.”
During his performance, he emphasised that nothing is pre-recorded – every sound is created live, layered in real-time and erased once the show ends, making each city’s experience truly one-of-a-kind. Using a loop station, he taps into his creativity by recording short segments of music – beats, melodies and harmonies – which are then played back in a continuous loop. By layering these elements, he builds rich, dynamic compositions on the spot, crafting an immersive sonic experience that exists only in the moment before being wiped clean for the next performance.
Sheeran’s remarkable stage presence and connection with the audience only grew stronger as the night unfolded in the picturesque city of Shillong. Hits like ‘Shivers’, ‘I’m a Mess’, ‘Photograph’, ‘Happier’ and a surprise cover of Justin Bieber’s ‘Love Yourself’ had the crowd buzzing, but it was the fan-favourite ‘Perfect’ that truly set the venue on fire when it began, as fans belted out the lyrics louder than Ed himself, creating an unforgettable moment of pure excitement. Ed Sheeran said, “Shillong, you are by far the loudest audience” and encouraged them to keep going!
As the evening neared its end, the encore was a true testament to Sheeran’s ability to create an unforgettable live experience.
Performing ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ and ‘Shape of You’, the show closed with ‘Bad Habits’ where the night concluded on a high, with the crowd singing along to every word, creating a chorus that resonated long after the final note was a moment of pure joy, where fans and the artist alike shared in the magic of live music.
