English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was interrupted by local police while performing on Bengaluru’s Church Street. This drew flack from netizens, who took to social media to express dismay.
In a video circulating the internet, the British pop star, who was in the city for his Mathematics India Tour 2025 on February 8 and 9, was stopped by a police official mid-way through his impromptu performance.
Initially, there were claims that the singer had performed without permission, but he later clarified the situation on his social media.
On his Instagram, Sheeran posted, “We had the permission to busk (perform on the streets) by the way. Hence, our playing in that exact spot was planned out before. It wasn’t just us randomly turning up. All good though.“
On the other hand, PC Mohan, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Central, posted to X, “Shape of You, but not of permits. Ed Sheeran’s impromptu gig on Church Street hit a sour note as Bengaluru police pulled the plug over missing permissions. Even global stars must follow local rules—no permit, no performance!”
As part of his India tour, Ed Sheeran performed in Bengaluru’s NICE Grounds on Saturday and Sunday. The singer is slated to perform in Shillong and Delhi NCR later this month following his shows in Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
