Ed Sheeran's Surprise Street Gig In India Shut Down By Police

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Ed Sheeran gave fans in southern India an unexpected treat over the weekend, taking to the streets for an impromptu live performance—only to have police abruptly shut it down.

The four-time Grammy-winning artist was in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) between tour dates when he decided to do some busking on the city’s bustling Church Street. But just as Sheeran was mid-performance, belting out his hit Shape of You, a uniformed officer stepped in and pulled the plug—literally—disconnecting his guitar and microphone. Images circulating on social media captured the singer’s stunned reaction, arms thrown up in frustration.

Permission Drama: Who’s Right?

Local police defended their actions, stating they had already denied Sheeran permission to perform in the area, known for its heavy foot traffic. According to Shekhar H. Tekkannavar, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru Central, officers acted after receiving a complaint from a citizen.

“We rejected (the request) because Church Street is a very busy area, and we try to keep people moving,” Tekkannavar told CNN.

However, Sheeran had a different take. Posting on Instagram shortly after the incident, he claimed that the gig had been pre-approved.

“We had permission to busk. It was planned out before—it wasn’t just us randomly turning up,” he wrote.

CNN has reached out to Sheeran’s representatives for further clarification.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

The incident quickly went viral, with one social media user posting a clip of the performance, writing:

"Went for a casual walk on Church Street and stumbled upon Ed Sheeran performing live. What a city!"

Others were less impressed with the authorities' intervention, arguing that a short performance posed no real issue. Some critics suggested that law enforcement should focus on bigger challenges facing the city, such as traffic congestion and water shortages.

Sheeran, a fan favorite in India, previously performed a sold-out show in Mumbai and is set to play two more concerts in the country before heading to China and the UAE.

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