Ed Sheeran has made history as the first international artist to perform in Bhutan. The acclaimed singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Bad Habits,” expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on January 24, 2025, describing it as “an honour” and praising the warm welcome from the local fans. He shared his enthusiasm on social media, declaring, “Had the honour to be the first ever international artist to play Bhutan last night. What a gig, what a country, what a beautiful place with incredible people. Lemme know if I can move there, please and thank you.”
During the concert, attended by fans eager to witness this historic moment, Sheeran reflected on his experiences as he captivated the audience with his performance. “It’s mad to break this record; I hope there are many more to come,” said Sheeran, who noted the uniqueness of being part of such a landmark event. He extended heartfelt thanks not only to the fans but also to the volunteers who helped make this historic concert possible, stating, “Hopefully see you again soon!”
Adding to the significance of his visit, Sheeran had been welcomed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Speaking about his dinner with the royal couple, he recalled their warm message: “We just want people coming to the country who want to love and respect the country and understand the ideals.” Sheeran expressed deep appreciation for being chosen to perform, stating, “I feel super honoured, and I can’t wait to play. This is like, such my jam.”
The concert featured high energy and captivated the audience as Sheeran shared his feelings about performing for the Bhutanese people. “I’ve been all around the world, been to some amazing places, but I’ve never done anything like this before,” he noted. “To be able to visit Bhutan and stand on stage here—I can recall playing to what felt like empty rooms, and now I get to play the first international concert here—ever!”
Following Sheeran’s star-studded performance, Bhutan’s Department of Tourism took to social media to celebrate this significant milestone. They tweeted, “On January 24th, Ed Sheeran made history as the first-ever international artist to perform in Bhutan. Two days later, we're still feeling the energy of the unforgettable night. Thank you, @teddysphotos, for your incredible performance and for sharing your love for the Land of the Thunder Dragon.”
AEG Presents Asia, the promoter for the concert, also shared their excitement online, stating: “What a night. Thank you, Bhutan! A magical start to the +–=÷x 2025 Tour with Ed Sheeran - the first-ever international artist to perform in Bhutan.” This concert was not just another date on Sheeran’s tour but rather a landmark event for Bhutan's growing engagement with global cultures.
The event marks not just Sheeran's musical contribution, but also reflects Bhutan's increasing openness to international artists. Recognized for its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable tourism, Bhutan has taken significant steps to promote its unique identity to the world.
Ed Sheeran’s concert is part of his +–=÷x (Mathematics) Tour, which commenced back in 2022 and is set to conclude in 2025. Last year, Sheeran became the most played artist within the United Kingdom for the seventh consecutive year, totaling over 150 million records sold worldwide since his debut. This remarkable commercial success adds another layer to his noteworthy visits to diverse countries.
With the excitement surrounding his historic performance, many fans are eager for Sheeran’s future plans as he is reportedly heading to perform soon in India. Sheeran previously announced via Instagram about returning to India for his biggest ever tour, illustrating his commitment to engaging audiences across the globe.
Ed Sheeran's triumphant appearance as the first international artist to grace Bhutan not only enriches his impressive career but also sets the stage for future musical collaborations and performances within the unique and culturally rich kingdom.