Mon Feb 10 11:17:51 UTC 2025: ## Ed Sheeran’s Surprise Bangalore Busking Cut Short by Police
**Bangalore, India** – Pop superstar Ed Sheeran’s impromptu street performance in Bangalore ended abruptly Sunday when police intervened, citing a lack of permission. The singer, currently touring India, decided to busk on Church Street, performing his hit song “Shape of You” to a captivated crowd. However, mid-performance, officers seized his equipment, halting the show.
Videos circulating on social media show Sheeran visibly frustrated as his guitar and microphone were disconnected. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shekhar H. Tekkannavar explained that permission had been denied due to Church Street’s high traffic volume. He stated a citizen’s complaint triggered the police response.
However, Sheeran contradicted this account on Instagram, claiming that necessary permissions *were* secured beforehand. “We had permission to busk,” he wrote, adding that the performance was planned. CNN has reached out to Sheeran’s representatives for further comment.
The incident sparked a mixed reaction online. While some celebrated the unexpected performance, others criticized the police’s actions, arguing that the event posed no significant disruption and that authorities should prioritize more pressing city issues. Sheeran remains popular in India, having sold out a Mumbai concert last year and with further shows scheduled before moving on to China and the UAE.
First Piper 