Ed Sheeran’s Bengaluru Street Performance Halted By Police Over Permission Issues

Ed Sheeran’s impromptu street performance in Bengaluru was cut short by local police, who cited a lack of proper authorization.

Videos circulating online show Sheeran, dressed casually, playing his hit Shape of You before an officer intervened, unplugging his microphone to the crowd’s disappointment. Addressing fans, Sheeran clarified, "We had permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!" He later reiterated on Instagram that the performance was pre-planned, not spontaneous.

Authorities explained their decision, stating that Church Street’s heavy foot traffic made it unsuitable for a busking session. "We denied permission due to potential congestion," said Bengaluru’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shekar T Tekkannanavar.

Currently in India for his Mathematics tour, Sheeran has already performed in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, with upcoming shows in Shillong and Delhi. He also surprised fans in Bengaluru by singing in Telugu alongside Shilpa Rao.

Despite his global success, the four-time Grammy winner has always remained fond of street performances, staying true to his roots as a busker.