KUALA LUMPUR: British pop sensation Ed Sheeran wowed a crowd of over 80,000 fans at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday (Feb 24), marking his third concert in Malaysia.
The sold-out event, part of his +-=÷× (Mathematics) Tour's Asian leg, featured a stunning 360-degree stage setup with screens galore, all without any playback – a testament to Sheeran's raw talent.
The evening kicked off with an opening act by fellow Brit Calum Scott, who serenaded the audience with hits like "Dancing On My Own" and "You Are The Reason," earning cheers and admiration from the crowd.
It rained earlier in the day, but by the time the concert started, the rain had subsided.
Sheeran took the stage at 7.50pm, greeted by a countdown from the audience, reminiscent of a New Year's Eve celebration. As he launched into his performance, playing the opening riffs of "Tides," the crowd erupted in excitement.
Known for his minimalist approach to performances, Sheeran dazzled with just an acoustic guitar and loop pedal, creating intricate soundscapes and layering melodies to perfection.
Hits like "Shape of You" and "Afterglow" were particularly memorable, showcasing his mastery of the loop pedal.
Acknowledging the crowd's dedication, Sheeran said, "I know Saturday night is a sacred night, you could be doing anything, but you choose to spend it with me.
Thank you for braving the weather and the shadow. I hope you enjoy this,".
He continued to captivate the audience with sing-alongs and energetic performances throughout the night.
Some fans lined up in the rain from 1pm to buy official merchandise.
The concert was not without its hiccups, as many fans were seen leaving the stadium halfway through the show. Complaints surfaced regarding the lack of extended Rapid service for public transportation, forcing concert-goers to leave early to catch their train connections.
One fan told the New Straits Times, "A lot of people left early to catch their train."
Despite this, Sheeran closed the show with a bang, performing "Bad Habit" and treating the audience to a magnificent fireworks display, ending the three-hour performance on a high note.