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No permission, no performance: Bengaluru police halts Ed Sheeran’s impromptu street concert

The Grammy-winning singer’s impromptu act on Church Street thrilled fans but was cut short by the police for lack of permission

Deeksha Devadiga

Published Feb 09, 2025 | 5:13 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 09, 2025 | 5:13 PM

No permission, no performance: Bengaluru police halts Ed Sheeran’s impromptu street concert

A brief but viral moment: Ed Sheeran’s street performance interrupted by Bengaluru Police. (Screengrab)

Synopsis: British singer Ed Sheeran surprised Bengaluru by performing an impromptu street concert on Church Street, singing “Shape of You” for fans. However, the performance was cut short when Bengaluru Police intervened, unplugging his microphone.

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran gave Bengaluru an unexpected musical treat when he took to the footpath on Church Street for an impromptu performance on Sunday morning.

Fans who happened to be in the area were in for a surprise as the global superstar casually set up and started singing his hit song Shape of You.

However, the spontaneous street concert was cut short within moments as the Bengaluru Police stepped in, disconnecting the sound equipment.

A video of the incident has since gone viral, capturing Sheeran’s performance being interrupted as an officer unplugged the microphone while he was mid-song. The police later clarified that the performance had not been authorised.

Speaking to South First, DCP (Central) Shekhar H Tekkannavar, IPS, stated, “He has not taken permission. One person from the organising team approached us, but we rejected it. We don’t give permission—it would disturb the public. They came anyway, so we stopped them.”

Sheeran is currently in India as part of his concert tour, having already performed in Hyderabad and Chennai. His Bengaluru performance is scheduled for later today, but this surprise street act—though short-lived—created a buzz across social media.

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A city divided

The abrupt halt to Sheeran’s performance led to a divided reaction online. While many fans were thrilled by the moment and disappointed by the police intervention, others defended the authorities for enforcing regulations.

Some social media users criticised the police action, arguing that an international artist performing on the streets was a rare and delightful experience.

A user named @AnoopChathoth quipped, “Ed Sheeran (literally) Unplugged Ft. Bengaluru Police #EdSheeran.”

Others pointed out that similar spontaneous performances—often by local artists—go unnoticed or are even encouraged.

However, many defended the police, stating that laws should be followed regardless of celebrity status. “The officer is within his right to follow the law… I understand that Ed Sheeran may be a top name in the music world, but law is law,” wrote @AnwarBaakza.

Another user, @PremMohanty, added, “Sorry Ed Sheeran, this is not Dublin or London. We follow rules. No street performances allowed. The cops had no idea who he is.”

A few users also highlighted the inconsistency in enforcement. @SujanFaster remarked, “The police will stop Ed Sheeran on Church Street to show authority but not the hundreds of illegal street vendors who block the road regularly.”

The incident also sparked a discussion about cultural differences in public performances. While some pointed out that street performances are common and legal in many parts of Europe, others noted that even in countries where busking is allowed, it usually requires prior permission.

“Ed Sheeran would definitely not do this without council permissions in the UK. Then why not follow the law of the land?” questioned @AakankshaSadekar.

Despite the abrupt ending, Sheeran’s brief performance remains a special moment for those who witnessed it. As one fan, @emingsgf, lamented, “I stayed near Church Street for two days and left this morning—only for Ed Sheeran to show up today. This situation sums up my life!”

While Sheeran himself has not commented on the incident, the moment has only added to the excitement surrounding his Bengaluru concert. Whether spontaneous or on stage, his music continues to bring people together—even if only for a fleeting moment.

(Edited by Ananya Rao)

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