Ed Sheeran’s street performance cut short by police in India
Police stated that event organizers had not received permission for the street performance, which took place on one of the city's busiest streets. (Photos via screenshots from TikTok)
British megastar Ed Sheeran has denied violating any laws after Indian police abruptly ended his street performance in Bengaluru, citing a lack of necessary permits.
The four-time Grammy winner, currently touring India, surprised fans by taking to the streets of the tech hub on Sunday. However, his impromptu performance was swiftly interrupted when a police officer disconnected his microphone midway through his hit song “Shape of You.”
Police cite safety concerns, Ed Sheeran refutes violation
Authorities stated that while Sheeran had permission for his concert performances, he was not authorized to perform publicly on the bustling Church Street, a popular retail and entertainment area.
“He is a very famous singer and naturally there will be chaos. To prevent that, police had not given him permission,” Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Monday. “In spite of that, he came and tried to perform, so the police prevented him. Nothing beyond that.”
Sheeran, however, refuted claims of wrongdoing, insisting he had prior authorization to perform at that exact location.
“It wasn’t just us randomly turning up,” the singer wrote on Instagram, adding that the situation was “all good though.”
Social media outcry over police response
The incident quickly sparked criticism on social media, with many condemning the police for cutting Sheeran’s performance short.
Local lawmaker PC Mohan commented that “even global stars must follow local rules – no permit, no performance!”
One social media user called the police response “abysmal and embarrassing,” while another criticized authorities for failing to act effectively against more serious crimes yet intervening in Sheeran’s busking attempt.
India’s growing live music scene
Sheeran is on a six-city tour of India, with a sold-out performance in Mumbai last year.
The country’s booming demand for live entertainment has been attracting global music sensations, including British rock band Coldplay, which recently held its “biggest-ever show” at a massive cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
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