Mon Feb 10 14:36:51 UTC 2025: ## Ed Sheeran’s Bengaluru Busking Shut Down by Police
**Bengaluru, India** – Ed Sheeran’s surprise street performance in Bengaluru on Sunday was abruptly halted by local police, who unplugged his microphone mid-song. The singer, in town for two concerts, had chosen Church Street for an impromptu busking session, but authorities claimed he lacked the necessary permits.
Videos circulating online show a police officer approaching Sheeran as he performed “Shape of You,” disconnecting the microphone to the dismay of the gathered crowd. Sheeran reportedly countered that they *did* have permission, blaming the officer for the interruption.
Bengaluru police, however, maintain that permission was denied due to Church Street’s high pedestrian traffic. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shekhar H. Tekkannavar stated that a helpline call reporting the unauthorized performance prompted their intervention.
Sheeran later contradicted the police account on his Instagram Stories, insisting they had secured the necessary permits and the location was pre-planned. Local MP PC Mohan weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), stating that even global stars must adhere to local regulations.
The incident occurred ahead of Sheeran’s concerts at the Nice Grounds. His tour continues on February 12th in Shillong, India, before moving to China. The interruption, while brief, sparked a debate about permitting procedures and the challenges of balancing spontaneous performances with public order. Sheeran himself appears to have moved on, recently confirming the completion of his next album, a return to a “big pop” sound.
First Piper 