Ed Sheeran is the first western artist to perform in Bhutan — makes staggering sum from global tours

Grammy-winning artist, Ed Sheeran is set to etch his name in history. In January 2025, Sheeran will become the first-ever Western artist to perform a concert in Bhutan. The British singer-songwriter is scheduled to perform at the  Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan’s capital of Thimphu. 

The "Shape of You" singer took to Instagram to announce the event. In the caption, he wrote, “Kuzuzampola!” which means "Hello" in Bhutan's Dzongkha language. Sheeran has been stacking up successful tours throughout his career, while making millions from his albums alone. 

One of the most famous pop stars of this generation, Sheeran has amassed a staggering net worth which is higher than the biggest of stars. Going by Spotify streams, record sales, or live event attendance, the star’s success is undeniable.

Sheeran is one of the wealthiest and most successful singers in the world with an estimated net worth of $200 million, according to celebritynetworth.com. As per the publication, the star’s earnings are more than $20 million per year.  The 32-year-old singer’s earnings touched $65 million between June 2019 and June 2020 from his various events and endeavors.

In 2022, Sheeran appeared to testify in a copyright infringement lawsuit before the Manhattan federal court. He was accused of copying his 2014 Grammy-winning ballad, “Thinking Out Loud,” from Marvin Gaye’s song, Let’s Get It On. The heirs of Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye's co-writer, accused Sheeran of unlawfully copying the “harmonic progressions” and “melodic and rhythmic elements.”

The suit claimed Sheeran copied the elements and repeatedly used them in his album. However, Sheeran denied the allegations and insisted in court papers that the “heart” of “Let’s Get It On” is composed of routine elements of popular songs that are not unique or protectable.

Sheeran was accused of copying the musical elements of Marvin Gaye’s song, but not the lyrics or overall feel. The jury weighed in only on whether the singer copied Gaye’s elements, which are recorded on sheet music, according to the Associated Press. The suit held such importance to the singer’s career and integrity that he had announced that he would quit making music if he lost the copyright trial.

The copyright-infringement trial saw Sheeran take the stand to defend himself. According to The Guardian, he appeared in court in person and argued that “most pop songs can fit over most pop songs,” while giving examples such as “Let It Be” by the Beatles and “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley.

The New York Times reported that Sheeran had also brought a guitar with him to demonstrate the four-chord progression that he used in his album “Thinking Out Loud.” It was argued that his second chord is similar to a minor chord played in the same position in the progression of Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”.

Sheeran was reportedly successful in demonstrating a version with a major chord which he claimed to have played at “every single gig.” The lawsuit ended with the jury finding that Ed Sheeran did not copy Marvin Gaye’s song in any unlawful form or manner.