Shillong witnessed a historic musical event as global sensation Ed Sheeran took the stage, captivating thousands of fans with his chart-topping hits. The + – = ÷ x Tour, which has been making waves across India, brought the Shape of You hitmaker to the heart of Meghalaya, marking a momentous occasion for music lovers in the region.
The anticipation was electric as fans queued up hours before the show, eager to witness the Grammy-winning artist perform live. The event also carried a meaningful message—raising awareness about drug abuse, with signs reading “Don’t do drugs” prominently displayed throughout the venue.
Ed Sheeran’s Grand Entrance and a Special Shillong Tribute
As the sun set over Shillong’s breathtaking landscape, the excitement in the air was unmistakable. The moment Ed Sheeran stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Dressed in a t-shirt featuring ‘Shillong’, he immediately connected with the audience.
“Shillong, how are you feeling? Thank you so much for coming here. It’s my first time here, and I’m so happy to be here!” he greeted the ecstatic crowd.
With those words, he launched into his opening song, Castle on the Hill, setting the tone for an electrifying evening. The audience sang along passionately, proving that the concert was more than just a performance—it was a shared experience of music and emotions.
An Unforgettable Setlist of Hits and Emotional Moments
Ed Sheeran took fans on a journey through his biggest hits, each song igniting waves of excitement. The setlist featured fan favorites like:
- Shivers
- I’m a Mess
- Photograph
- Happier
- A Team – where Ed reflected on how he wrote the song at 18, never expecting it to be performed on a global stage years later.
One of the most magical moments of the night came with Perfect, as the audience sang so loudly that Ed’s voice was barely audible. Overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, he smiled and said, “Shillong, you are by far the loudest audience!”
The energy reached new heights during the encore as Ed performed You Need Me, I Don’t Need You, Shape of You, and the electrifying Bad Habits, leaving the audience in an ecstatic frenzy. The echoes of the crowd’s singing resonated long after the final note, marking a truly unforgettable night.
A Unique Live Music Experience
What made this performance extraordinary was Ed Sheeran’s live looping technique. Unlike traditional concerts that rely on pre-recorded backing tracks, Sheeran recorded beats, melodies, and harmonies in real-time using a loop station, layering them to create dynamic, one-of-a-kind performances for each song. This authenticity made the Shillong concert an even more special experience.
Shillong Breaks the Stereotype
This concert shattered the long-held stereotype that Meghalaya is a destination only for retired international artists. Fans from across the country flocked to Shillong, proving that the Northeast is ready for global music icons and large-scale live performances.
Ed Sheeran’s Tour Brings International Music to New Indian Cities
Organized by BookMyShow Live in partnership with AEG Presents Asia, the + – = ÷ x Tour is expanding the reach of international music in India beyond traditional metro cities. Shillong’s successful hosting of Ed Sheeran’s concert has set a new precedent, opening doors for more global artists to explore the vibrant music scene in Northeast India.
A Night to Remember
Ed Sheeran’s Shillong concert was more than just a musical event—it was an emotionally charged experience that brought people together. From the heartfelt performances to the enthusiastic crowd participation, every moment felt like a dream come true for fans.
As the last notes of Bad Habits faded into the night, the echoes of the concert remained, ensuring that this historic evening would be etched in Shillong’s musical legacy forever.
