The sweltering summer of 2024 in India reached its zenith with an exhilarating finale as Ed Sheeran wrapped up his +-=÷x Tour with a performance that will be etched in the memories of his Indian fans for years to come. Celebrating the closing chapter of his global music expedition on March 16, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai was transformed into an island of melodic marvel, hosting a concert extravaganza that was nothing short of legendary.
The anticipation for Ed’s return had been building up ever since his last performance in India in 2017. Six years had passed, and the buzz around his comeback concert had reached a fever pitch. Finally, under the starlit sky of Mumbai’s bustling cityscape, fans from all over the country congregated for an event hosted by BookMyShow Live and AEG Presents, marking the 25th anniversary of BigTree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
As the evening took flight, Indian indie artist Prateek Kuhad set the tone with a soul-touching act, crooning his hits and warming the hearts of the audience with his melodious chords. But it was the surprise entry of Calum Scott that took the crowd from a simmer to a boil. Scott’s enthusiastic shout-out to the city with his “Kasa Kai Mumbai!” instantly struck a chord with the thousands present, setting the stage for what was to be an unforgettable musical journey.
The energy was palpable as the final moments before Ed Sheeran’s appearance clicked down. A clever ruse saw the ginger-haired icon sneak onto the stage inside a giant case, and when he finally emerged, the cheers were thunderous. Sheeran, dressed in his signature casual style, but with a local twist, donning a ‘Mumbai’ inscribed Kurta, dove headfirst into his set with the hit ‘Tides’ as fans waved their posters emblazoned with mathematical symbols synonymous with his albums.
One by one, hits like ‘Shivers’, ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Galway Girl’, and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ cascaded over the audience, culminating in the strums and vocals of ‘Perfect’, which lived up to its name. It seemed impossible for the night to peak any further until ‘Shape Of You’ began, and Mumbai’s collective heart skipped a beat when Ed expressed his love for the city’s shape.
Surprises continued as Indian sensation Armaan Malik joined Ed on stage for ‘2step’, followed by the enthralling Diljit Singh who added a burst of energy with ‘Lover’. The blend of international and Indian artistry created a fusion that resonated with the diversity of the audience.
What set this concert apart was not just the array of talent on display but the technological marvel of the setup. The first-of-its-kind 360-degree circular, revolving stage in India ensured that every attendee, regardless of where they stood, had the perfect view of the show. A central halo screen augmented the visual feast, further assuring that this spectacle was as much a treat for the eyes as it was for the ears.
The concert’s production quality raised the bar for live events in India, offering a promise of what’s possible in terms of scale and execution. The elevated immersive sound system complemented the grand visual setup brilliantly, creating a sensory experience that defied expectations.
Celebrities like Gauri Khan, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Milind Soman among others, joined the fans in what was a celebration of music and unity. The ground was a mosaic of fans from different cities, all drawn in by the universal language of Ed’s music.
Witnessing Ed Sheeran’s interaction with the crowd, his humility and genuine love for his Indian fans illuminated the night. As the final chords of ‘Bad Habits’ resonated through the venue, the promise of his return next year brought a sweet note of anticipation to the bittersweet end of an incredible night.
The Mumbai concert was a testament to Ed Sheeran’s extraordinary connection with his fans and the transformative power of live music. Marking a grand closure to the +-=÷x Tour, this musical milestone will be cherished as the perfect evening that enveloped the city in an ‘Afterglow’ of melodies and emotions, promising even more euphonic encounters in the future.
