Ed Sheeran India tour 2025: British singer-songwriter enthralls audience in Pune in first performance

Bringing his + - = / x Tour to Pune, Ed Sheeran took the stage donning a t-shirt that said `Pune` celebrating the city and the crowd erupted in cheers. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Under the bright January skies, Yash Lawns in Pune transformed into a vibrant hub of energy, excitement and music as global superstar Ed Sheeran brought his record-breaking + - = ÷ x Tour to India. Produced and promoted by AEG Presents Asia and BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, the Pune concert marked the highly anticipated opening show of Sheeran's six-city tour, bringing his unmatched talent to fans in one of the most intimate and electrifying performances seen in the city. This performance was not just a concert, but a monumental event that set the stage for an unforgettable journey across the country.

Before Ed Sheeran took the stage, the evening began on a high note with a captivating performance by Dot., the rising indie sensation. Known for her soulful voice and unique melodies, she set the tone for the night, enchanting the audience with tracks such as ‘Indigo' which showcased her artistry.

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 ‘Pune' celebrating the city and the crowd erupted in cheers! 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. The interaction between Sheeran and the audience was seamless, creating an intimate bond that transcended the usual artist-fan dynamic.

Sheeran's remarkable stage presence and connection with the audience only grew stronger as the night unfolded. His soulful vocals, combined with his unparalleled acoustic brilliance, created a deeply personal moment for everyone present. Hits like ‘Shivers', ‘I'm a mess', ‘Photograph', ‘Happier' and ‘Love Yourself' and of course, the fan-favourite ‘Perfect' brought waves of nostalgia and excitement, with fans swaying along passionately to every lyric. The energy in the air was electrifying, as Sheeran's voice resonated through the venue, creating a sense of unity that only live music can evoke.

One of the highlights of the evening was where Sheeran paused for a moment to express his gratitude. He shared that he has performed twice in India, both times in Mumbai and was excited to bring his music to other cities this time. He also expressed that every visit makes him feel like a tourist exploring this beautiful country and that he is always grateful for the opportunity to perform for the people of India.. It was these moments that made the concert feel like more than just a performance - it was a celebration of his musical journey and the fans who had supported him along the way.

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.

As the night progressed, Sheeran's iconic stripped-back performance continued to captivate. The simplicity of his set, with just his guitar allowed his raw talent to take centre stage. This minimalistic approach proved just how powerful music can be when it's stripped down to its purest form. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, as the crowd responded to each song with overwhelming enthusiasm. The setlist flowed seamlessly, moving between heart-wrenching ballads and upbeat crowd-pleasers, building to a crescendo that left everyone on their feet.

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' 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.