Music
Police Stop Ed Sheeran From Performing in Bengaluru, India
British pop sensation Ed Sheeran faced a hiccup during his visit to Bengaluru on Sunday when police stopped him from performing on the street, citing a lack of proper permits.
An online video shows a local police officer disconnecting Sheeran’s microphone on Church Street, a bustling area known for shopping and entertainment. The clip quickly gained traction, sparking widespread discussion.
According to officials, Ed Sheeran’s team had requested permission to perform on the street, but it was denied to prevent crowding in the already busy area.
However, Sheeran addressed the incident on Instagram, saying, “We had permission to busk, by the way. The spot was pre-arranged and planned, not random. All good though. See you at the show tonight.”
The incident happened just hours before his scheduled performance at the NICE Grounds as part of his Mathematics Tour.
Fans expressed their frustration online, with one commenting, “This is what happens when vague rules dominate public spaces in India.” Another joked about how authorities seem eager to curb young people’s fun.
In response, local BJP MP PC Mohan defended the police action, saying, “Even international stars must follow local rules. No permit, no performance!”
Sheeran is touring India for the second year in a row. He has already performed in Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai and has shows planned in Shillong and Delhi.
At the Bengaluru concert, he thrilled fans by teaming up with singer Shilpa Rao to perform two popular Telugu tracks.
Ed Sheeran has shown a fondness for collaborating with Indian artists. In 2022, he joined Diljit Dosanjh on stage during a concert in Birmingham, and during this trip, he worked with sitar player Megha Rawoot on a version of his hit song “Shape of You.”
India’s appetite for live music seems to be growing rapidly. Sheeran’s extensive tour follows recent high-profile performances by artists like Dua Lipa in Mumbai and Coldplay’s multi-city tour. Fans nationwide are eager for more global acts to take the stage.
