Bengaluru, 9 February 2025: Bengaluru Police halted British musician Ed Sheeran’s live street performance on Church Street on Sunday morning, citing lack of permission.
However, Sheeran later stated that he and his team had prior approval to perform at the location.
The Grammy-winning artist was midway through his hit song Shape of You when a police officer intervened, disconnecting cables attached to the microphone and instruments.
“We had permission to busk, hence us playing in that exact spot was planned before. It wasn’t just us randomly turning up,” Sheeran wrote on his Instagram Story ahead of his second Bengaluru concert. “All good though. See ya at the show tonight.”
Earlier in the day, videos surfaced online showing Sheeran arriving at Church Street with security personnel, greeted by excited onlookers. As he picked up his guitar, he told the crowd, “We were going to play more than one song, but we’re being asked to play just one.”
Before he could finish the refrain of Shape of You, a policeman stepped in and ended the performance. A senior officer from Cubbon Park police station said Sheeran did not have formal permission to perform.
“The police got there because someone complained about public nuisance,” the officer told PTI. “If the musician and his team had the permit, they could have shown it to the cops.”
Church Street, a popular nightlife and cultural hub in Bengaluru, often hosts events, but authorities maintain strict rules on public performances.
While some social media users were disappointed by the interruption, Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan defended the action.
“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!” Mohan posted on X.
Fans expressed mixed reactions online. “Just saw Ed Sheeran on Church Street. He sang his song, but sadly the police stopped him in the middle,” one user wrote.
Sheeran, known for songs like Perfect Duet, Thinking Out Loud, and Shivers, is currently in India as part of his Mathematics (+-=÷x) Tour.
