Fans Left Disappointed as Authorities End Surprise Gig

A spontaneous street performance by British pop star Ed Sheeran in Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, was unexpectedly interrupted by police on Sunday, February 9, sparking frustration among his fans. The singer, who was set to perform later that evening at a concert, had been playing and singing on the pavement in the heart of the city.

In footage shared by local news outlets, a policeman approached Sheeran while he was performing his hit “Shape of You,” disconnecting his microphone. Onlookers reacted with boos as the impromptu concert came to a halt. Sheeran left the scene shortly thereafter.

The police clarified that the street performance had not been authorised by event organisers. “I denied the request because Church Street becomes overcrowded. That’s why we asked him to leave,” explained Shekar T Tekkannanavar, a Bengaluru police officer.

The singer, who started his career busking on the streets of the UK, took to Instagram to clarify that the performance had been authorised, stating, “It wasn’t just us randomly showing up. All good though.” Later that evening, Sheeran performed for thousands of fans at an official concert venue, with Indian singer Shilpa Rao joining him on stage.