English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has made a landmark achievement by becoming the first international artist to perform a concert in the Kingdom of Bhutan, marking a major cultural moment for the Himalayan nation.
The historic show took place on January 24, 2025, at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, during Sheeran’s ongoing +−=÷× (Mathematics) Tour. Thousands of fans gathered to witness the Grammy-winning artist deliver an unforgettable performance in a country that, until now, had never hosted an international music act of this scale.
Sheeran, 33, took to social media shortly after the concert to reflect on the experience. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “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.” He went on to thank Bhutan for its warm welcome and expressed hope that he would return someday.
In a video shared alongside his post, Sheeran is seen performing onstage at Changlimithang Stadium and interacting with local fans. He also recounted a memorable dinner with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, who shared their hopes of attracting visitors who “love and respect the country”.
The concert not only thrilled local audiences but also garnered attention from Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, which celebrated the event on social media and thanked Sheeran for bringing his music and global presence to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Sheeran’s performance in Bhutan represents a significant milestone in the country’s cultural evolution. Known for its emphasis on Gross National Happiness and careful approach to tourism, Bhutan has traditionally hosted few large-scale international entertainment events. This concert could signal a new chapter in the nation’s engagement with global music and arts.
Part of Sheeran’s broader +−=÷× Tour — which began in 2022 and is scheduled to wrap up in 2025 — the Bhutan show was one of several stops across Asia before the singer moves on to Europe and other regions.