Police stop Ed Sheeran street performance despite permission

BENGALURU: During his stay in India as part of his Mathematics tour, Ed Sheeran surprised passers-by in Bengaluru on Sunday, as they were able to witness a street performance from the world-renowned musician.

Ahead of the second of his two shows at NICE Grounds in Bengaluru, Sheeran could be seen performing in front of a mural painted wall on the streets. Fans gathered to watch Sheeran perform with just an acoustic guitar and a mic stand.

However, soon after he began a police officer ended the performance. The officer was filmed as he unplugged Sheeran’s mic, despite two people attempting to dissuade him from doing so.  

The Bengaluru police stated that their primary concern is “the safety of both the artist and the public,” and that “unauthorized gatherings can pose significant challenges in crowd management and security.”

Also read: Kendrick Lamar brings viral Drake diss track to Super Bowl

However, according to Sheeran, his performance wasn’t impromptu at all. After his mic was unplugged, Sheeran addressed the crowd, stating “we had permission to do this, but this policeman is shutting it down.”

Sheeran took to Instagram to further clarify.

“We had permission to busk btw, hence us playing in that exact spot, was planned out before, it wasn’t just us randomly turning up. All good though. See ya at the show tonight x.”

Sheeran’s India shows aren’t done yet. The musician still has two more shows scheduled, which will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong and at Leisure Valley Ground in Delhi on February 12 and 15 respectively.

Also read: Demi Moore wins at Critics Choice with disgraced rival Gascon absent