Shillong: Last night, the stage was set for a dream come true for fans from all corners, both local and out-of-state, as they gathered in one place to witness the romance king, Ed Sheeran, deliver an electrifying performance.
Excitement ran high as a sea of fans queued up to see the Shape of You hitmaker live, finally shattering the stereotype that “Meghalaya is a hub for retired international artists.”
The event also had a deeper meaning, as it supported a noble cause—raising awareness about drug abuse.
With ‘Don’t do drugs’ signs scattered throughout, it was a perfect evening for promoting positive messages among the youth.
As the sun set over Shillong’s scenic beauty, the energy in the air was palpable. The crowd went wild when Ed Sheeran stepped on stage, wearing a t-shirt proudly marked with ‘Shillong,’ a tribute to the city.
“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 said, immediately bonding with the audience.
Opening with the powerful ‘Castle on the Hill,’ the atmosphere surged with excitement as fans joined in to sing every word.
From the start, it was clear this concert was more than just a performance—it was a shared experience.
Before performing ‘A Team,’ Ed took a moment to share a personal story.
“I wrote this song when I was 18. I honestly thought it would be my one-hit wonder. 15 years later, to come to places I’ve never been and perform it in front of you all—it blows my mind,” he reflected.
Throughout the night, Ed emphasised the authenticity of his performance, stating that nothing was pre-recorded.
Each sound was created live, layered in real-time, making every show unique.
Using a loop station, Ed recorded beats, melodies, and harmonies, which he looped together to create dynamic compositions that existed only in the moment, before being erased for the next performance.
As the night unfolded, Ed’s connection with the crowd grew stronger. Hits like Shivers, I’m a Mess, Photograph, and Happier kept the audience engaged, but it was Perfect that truly set the venue on fire.
The crowd sang the lyrics so loudly that Ed was barely audible, creating a moment of pure magic.
“Shillong, you are by far the loudest audience,” he said, encouraging the fans to keep the energy alive.
As the concert neared its end, the encore was a fitting culmination of the night. Ed performed You Need Me, I Don’t Need You and Shape of You, but it was Bad Habits that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Fans sang along in unison, their voices resonating long after the final note, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
This stunning performance was part of Ed Sheeran’s record-breaking + – = ÷ x Tour, which is making a significant impact across India.
BookMyShow Live, in partnership with AEG Presents Asia, is bringing Ed Sheeran’s magic to cities beyond the typical metros.
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This 6-city tour, including Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Shillong, and soon Delhi-NCR, highlights the growing demand for world-class live entertainment across the country
The evening also began with an electrifying performance by Kayan, the versatile singer, songwriter, and DJ known for her genre-blending tracks like Cool Kids, Iris, and Hold Me Down.
Ed Sheeran’s debut performance in Shillong was more than just a concert—it was a monumental event that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
