A spontaneous Ed Sheeran street show in Bengaluru India received a police shutdown on February 10, 2025. Prior to his scheduled concert the world-famous singer performed busking on Church Street while the area was filled with activity. The online crowds watched as Sheeran played “Shape of You” from 2017 through video footage from his unexpected street concert before a police officer cut his mic while spectators reacted differently to the situation.
Bengaluru police officials rejected permission for Sheeran to perform in the congested street area because they wanted to maintain public safety. Deputy Commissioner Shekar T Tekkannanavar emphasized to the media that Church Street becomes extremely congested. That is the fundamental reason authorities demanded he leave the spot. Sheeran maintained on Instagram that the stage performance had been organized in advance which the authorities authorized. All good though.”
The local government stood behind the police decision when MP P.C. Mohan declared “even international artists need to comply with local regulations when they must obtain permission beforehand for any performance.” Sheeran maintains strong popularity in India even after the setback because all his Bengaluru concerts sold out followed by another show being scheduled due to fan demand. 
Sheeran joined forces with Indian performer Shilpa Rao to sing “Chuttamalle” as part of his concert which pleased viewers with this Telugu classic. Even though public safety and transit guidelines place restrictions on public performances in packed urban environments the controversy showcases how we should navigate these opposing needs.
