How one artist sold 8.8 million tickets across five continents
In short: Ed Sheeran's +−=÷× Tour isn't just a concert series; it is a logistical feat of global scale. By spanning 188 shows and breaking multiple attendance records, the tour redefined the boundaries of modern live music, moving millions of fans across the globe to witness a mathematical tribute.
The +−=÷× Tour, also known as the Mathematics Tour, serves as a comprehensive tribute to Sheeran's studio albums defined by mathematical symbols. Beginning in Dublin on 23 April 2022 and concluding in Düsseldorf on 7 September 2025, the tour became a commercial juggernaut. It secured its place in history as the fourth highest-grossing tour of all time, generating $875.7 million in ticket sales and selling 8.8 million tickets across five continents.
The tour's scale is best illustrated by its record-breaking venue performances. In 2022, Sheeran's five-night residency at Wembley Stadium saw over 420,000 tickets sold. In Australia, his shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground shattered records for the highest ticketed attendance at an Australian concert, reaching 108,000 fans on 2 March 2023 and 110,000 the following day. He also set a one-day ticket record at SoFi Stadium with over 81,000 attendees.
The tour's expansion was driven by overwhelming demand, leading to frequent additions of dates. For example, a 27-date European tour saw its show count jump to 64 almost immediately upon going on sale. The tour also reached historic milestones, such as a show in Bhutan in early 2025, which marked the country's first-ever international concert. This massive operation was supported by a unique domestic arrangement where Sheeran lived in a rented bungalow in Auckland for two months in early 2023 to commute to venues in Australia and New Zealand.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: +−=÷× Tour
- Also: Wikidata — +-=÷x Tour · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-tour.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Ireland: places · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
