By Ed Sheeran Busking Stopped
Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned Grammy-winning artist, surprised fans with an impromptu performance on Church Street, Bengaluru, during his India leg of the Mathematics Tour. The street echoed with excitement as Sheeran began singing his hit song “Shape of You” on Sunday. However, the performance was cut short by a Bengaluru policeman citing lack of permission.
Police Intervene Despite Claimed Permission
Videos shared on social media show Ed Sheeran addressing his fans and performing, only to be interrupted moments later. The policeman unplugged his microphone, ending the session. Sheeran reassured fans, saying, “We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting us down. We’ll see you later.”
Later, Sheeran clarified on social media:
“We had permission to busk, by the way. Hence, us playing in that exact spot was planned out beforehand. All good though. See you at the show tonight x.”
Despite this statement, Bengaluru police official Shekar T. Tekkannanavar denied granting permission. He stated:
“I refused to give permission because Church Street gets very crowded. That is the reason he was asked to vacate the place.”
Bengaluru’s Traffic Concerns
Church Street, located in the heart of India’s IT hub, often experiences heavy traffic and large crowds, especially on weekends. Bengaluru’s traffic woes are well-documented, with the 2024 Global Traffic Index ranking it the third slowest city in the world. On average, it takes over 30 minutes to travel 10 kilometers within the city.
Fans React on Social Media
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While some criticized the police for stopping the performance, others supported the decision, citing public safety concerns:
- “The cop stopped Ed Sheeran to avoid chaos, not fun. Bengaluru streets are chaotic enough.”
- “Why shut down a harmless performance? It’s Bengaluru—known for its spirit, not restrictions.”
India Tour Highlights
Ed Sheeran’s India tour has been nothing short of spectacular. His performances in Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai received overwhelming applause. In Chennai, Sheeran shared the stage with legendary Indian composer A.R. Rahman, performing the iconic Tamil song “Urvasi”.
Sheeran’s Bengaluru leg included two sold-out shows on February 8 and 9. During these performances, he collaborated with Indian singer Shilpa Rao on the Telugu song “Chuttamalle”.
Conclusion
Despite the halted street performance, Ed Sheeran’s India tour remains a grand success. The spontaneous act highlighted his connection with fans, while the quick police intervention underscored Bengaluru’s challenges with crowd management. Fans eagerly await his future performances, showcasing his global appeal and love for unique interactions.
