Ed Sheeran, the British superstar singer-songwriter, surprised fans in Bangalore, India, with an impromptu street performance, but his act was abruptly interrupted by local police. Sheeran, in the city for his “Mathematics” tour, was singing his hit song Shape of You along the busy Church Street when an officer unexpectedly cut off the microphone, forcing him to stop.
Authorities later explained that the singer had not received the necessary permits and that his presence risked causing traffic and public order issues. However, the singer-songwriter denied this version, stating in an Instagram post that he had obtained the proper license and that his performance was not a spontaneous initiative but had been planned in advance.
The video of the incident quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions. Fans expressed outrage over the interruption and accused law enforcement of excessive zeal. Others, however, pointed out issues related to managing public spaces in crowded cities like the Indian metropolis. One internet user even mocked the unclear regulations that should protect street performance spectators, while others criticized the police for not focusing on more serious problems.
Despite the incident, the star maintained a calm demeanor, reassuring his followers with a conciliatory message: “All good, see you at tonight’s show.” The official concert went smoothly, with the musician impressing the audience by performing two songs in Telugu, a Dravidian language spoken primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, alongside local star Shilpa Rao.
The episode has ignited a debate on performances in the country, where the market for international concerts is rapidly growing, with sold-out events from bands like Coldplay and artists of the caliber of Dua Lipa. Meanwhile, the singer will continue his tour with stops in China and the United Arab Emirates, leaving behind the memory of a brief yet intense urban performance.
Ed Sheeran has quickly become one of the most popular singers in the world. A winner of numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, he has experimented with various genres beyond pop music and collaborated with many international artists.
