Renowned English singer Ed Sheeran found himself at the center of a controversy in Bengaluru when police interrupted his impromptu street performance on Church Street, a bustling area in the city. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has come to the rescue of the authorities by saying that the performance did not have the necessary permissions for street performances as it may lead to law and order issues.
Police Cites Safety Concerns
Speaking to the media, Home Minister G Parameshwara explained that Sheeran was approved to perform at the International Exhibition Centre. The singer’s decision to sing on Church Street without prior permission raised alarms. “We had given him approval to perform at the International Exhibition Centre, but unexpectedly, he started singing on Church Street. Being a globally recognized artist, his presence naturally attracted a large crowd, which could have led to chaos. The police intervened to prevent any untoward incidents. That’s all there is to it,” Parameshwara said.
Ed Sheeran Insists ‘He Had Permission’
Ed Sheeran, however, clarified on Instagram regarding the incident and said that all the permissions for performing on Church Street were available. “We had all the required approvals to busk at that spot. It was a pre-planned performance, not something we decided on the spur of the moment. No worries, though. See you at the concert tonight!” he wrote in an Instagram story.
A police officer pulled the plug when Ed Sheeran surprised everyone on Church Street😂😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/cMIRoLC7Mk
— Naai sekar (@snehaplsstop) February 9, 2025
A viral video showed the moment when Bengaluru Police officers, reportedly unfamiliar with Sheeran, asked him to stop his performance. One officer was even seen unplugging the microphone while Sheeran continued to sing.
Bengaluru Police Defend their Actions
Shekar T Tekkannanavar, DCP of Central Bengaluru, reiterated the authorities’ stance, explaining that the performance was stopped due to safety reasons. “One of the event organizers approached me for approval to hold a street-side performance at Church Street. I declined the request because the area tends to get extremely crowded. That’s why he was asked to leave,” Tekkannanavar said.
Despite the disruption, Ed Sheeran concluded the tour in Bengaluru with back-to-back huge concerts, serenading tens of thousands with his chart-busting hits.
