Ed Sheeran’s love for street performances is no secret, but his latest attempt to busk in India didn’t quite go as planned. The British pop sensation, currently on his worldwide Mathematics tour, was stopped by police while performing on the streets of Bengaluru, leaving fans both surprised and disappointed.
The Unexpected Show Shutdown
Videos circulating online captured the moment Sheeran, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and green cargo shorts, was playing his hit song Shape of You when a police officer intervened. The officer signaled him to stop and, to the dismay of the gathered crowd, even unplugged his microphone. A confused yet composed Sheeran then addressed his fans, saying, “We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!”
Permission Granted—But Not By Everyone
It turns out that Sheeran’s team had sought permission for the street performance in advance, but local authorities were not on board. According to the police, the request was denied due to concerns about excessive crowding and traffic congestion in the busy Church Street area.
Shekar T. Tekkannanavar, a deputy commissioner for central Bengaluru, explained the reasoning behind the shutdown, saying, “A member among the event organizers came to meet me to seek permission for the street-side performance. I refused to give permission because Church Street gets very crowded. That is the reason he was asked to vacate the place.”
Despite the disruption, Sheeran took the incident in stride, later clarifying in a now-expired Instagram Story, “We had permission to busk, by the way. Hence, us playing in that exact spot was planned out before. It wasn’t just us randomly turning up. All good though. See you at the show tonight.”
Sheeran’s Love for Busking
This isn’t the first time Sheeran has taken to the streets to perform. In fact, busking is how he got his start before becoming a four-time Grammy-winning artist. Even after reaching global superstardom, he occasionally enjoys the raw, intimate experience of street performances. His passion for these spontaneous gigs has led to several memorable moments, and this one—despite being cut short—will surely be added to that list.
A Star-Studded Tour Through India
Sheeran’s visit to India has been nothing short of eventful. He’s been captivating audiences with his performances, including two major concerts in Bengaluru at the NICE Grounds. But what really stole the show was his surprise performance in the Telugu language with Indian singer Shilpa Rao, a move that instantly won over his Indian fanbase.
The Mathematics tour continues, with Sheeran set to perform in Shillong and Delhi next. Earlier this year, he also rocked the stages in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, proving once again that his appeal transcends borders.
The Bigger Picture
While the street performance may not have gone as planned, it was yet another reminder of Sheeran’s down-to-earth personality and commitment to his craft. Few international superstars would still take the time to busk after selling out massive arenas. But for Sheeran, it’s not just about the big stage—it’s about the music, wherever and however it’s played.
Fans might have missed out on an impromptu street concert, but they were more than compensated with his high-energy official performances. And if there’s one thing we know about Ed Sheeran, it’s that he will always find a way to connect with his fans—whether on a street corner or in a packed stadium.
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