Ed Sheeran’s The Mathematics +–=÷× World Tour in Dubai featuring Calum Scott last January 19-20 drew in over 60,000 fans like me for sold-out back-to-back nights at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai! Thanks to my Mom’s thoughtful birthday gift, I took myself on a solo birthday date with one of my favorite artists – Ed Sheeran. It was truly a night to remember.
I arrived at the stadium around 4 PM. Entrance and scanning were quick. I immediately went to the food stalls and bought snacks. About 20 minutes later, the queue was already packed. If I hadn’t bought my food, it would have taken me an hour just to queue. Then I went ahead to buy merch – got myself a shirt, bought another shirt for my mom, and a tote bag. I had a reserved seat on top of the bleachers, so I had quite a good view of the 360-stage. I forgot about the temperature drop during winter in the UAE, and the stadium was basically in the middle of the freaking desert – it was giving me the ~ Shivers ~ 😉
Calum Scott kicked things off, and his voice is smooth as BUTTER! I saw him on YouTube a few years back when he auditioned on Britain’s Got Talent with “Dancing on my own.” He performed it again on this night, and he sounded even better live. Along with many of his new songs, I particularly enjoyed his song ‘Bible.’
Then the countdown for Ed’s show started. I was still chilling; there were empty seats beside me. Ed came in, jumping from the 360 stage, and people just came swarming like bees. I was near the stairs, and people were just hurrying up to their seats so I missed a few views of the stage. That was a bit annoying, but anyway, the first song he sang was “Tides” from his Equals album.
Ed sang a rock version of “End of Youth” from his Subtract album accompanied by fireworks. It was the first time I heard this version, and I totally prefer this one to the original. Everyone cheered and sang along to his songs, and even though I attended the concert solo, I never really felt alone. I LOVE his version of “Don’t” with the “No Diggity” mashed to it. When he sang the romantic songs, I was just so happy and excited that I got to be there and hear him serenade me (us). I was thrilled when he sang “Tenerife Sea”. It wasn’t on his setlist that night but sharing how much he liked Dubai, he sang it saying that the song just matched the vibe and the city perfectly.
It was around 10-11 PM and Ed wrapped up the night still with full energy singing “Shape of You” and “Bad Habits.” I was thinking of exiting early during these songs to avoid the crowd, but I just can’t miss these last moments with him. He is just too good, and my heart was pumping and cheering along.
Ed Sheeran’s albums have been one of the soundtracks of my high school and college. The very first songs that made me a fan were ‘The A Team’ and ‘Give Me Love’ from his Plus album. Until today, I still find it cool that his album titles are mathematical symbols, although I hate math. Each of his albums tells a different story in his life, people that inspired him, and his experiences. It’s a dream come true to have experienced and heard these songs in the flesh, him singing. He even thanked all his fans and dedicated the song ‘The A Team,’ saying it’s the song that made his career. My heart was so full hearing him sing ‘Give Me Love’ as well. I feel like he was singing these songs for me HAHA!
I’m not a big concert-goer, mainly because they don’t often happen where I live. Big names usually stick to the capitals, and I live quite far away. So concerts like his, and the only other two I’ve watched – Paramore in 2018 and BlackPink last year – are my once-in-a-lifetime treat, experiences that I will treasure forever.
Leevin Life 
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