Ed Sheeran’s street performance in Bengaluru was cut short by police, despite having prior permission, as they cited concerns over traffic congestion.

Ed Sheeran’s attempt to share his music with fans on the streets of Bengaluru was cut short when local police intervened during a spontaneous performance on Sunday.

The English singer-songwriter, known for his chart-topping hits and global popularity, was seen performing his smash hit “Shape of You” on Church Street when officers shut down the impromptu busking session.

The singer, who had been strumming his guitar and serenading a growing crowd, was abruptly told to stop, with one officer unplugging his microphone in front of a disappointed audience.

Sheeran, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and green cargo shorts, tried to reason with the crowd, explaining that they had secured permission to perform.

“We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!” he told the crowd before leaving the scene.

In a post on his Instagram Story, which has since disappeared, the pop star reassured fans, clarifying that the performance was planned in advance.

“We had permission to busk, by the way,” Sheeran wrote. “Hence, us playing in that exact spot was planned out before. It wasn’t just us randomly turning up. All good though. See you at the show tonight.”

Despite Sheeran’s claim of prior approval, authorities were quick to shut down the performance. Bengaluru police explained that the request for a street performance had been denied to prevent potential traffic congestion on Church Street, which is known for its bustling crowd.

Shekar T. Tekkannanavar, the deputy commissioner for central Bengaluru, told a local news agency that his refusal to grant permission was based on the need to avoid exacerbating traffic in the already crowded area.

“A member among the event organisers came to meet me to seek permission for the Streetside performance at Church Street. I refused to give permission because Church Street gets very crowded. That is the reason he was asked to vacate the place,” he said.

The British pop star is currently in India as part of his worldwide Mathematics tour. Sheeran has been performing in major cities across the country, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, with upcoming performances slated for Shillong and Delhi.

At his recent Bengaluru shows, he delighted fans by singing two songs in Telugu alongside renowned singer Shilpa Rao, showcasing his connection to the local culture.

Although Sheeran’s street performance was shut down, it’s no surprise to his long-time fans that the artist continues to engage in busking.

Street performing was a crucial part of his early career, where he honed his craft before rising to global fame with his soulful lyrics and catchy melodies.

Even now, as a Grammy-winning artist with an extensive international fan base, Sheeran enjoys the occasional impromptu performance in public spaces, proving that his love for connecting with fans through music remains as strong as ever.

This recent incident serves as a reminder of the balancing act that public figures like Sheeran face when trying to bring their art directly to their fans, while also adhering to local regulations and logistics.

Nonetheless, the interruption didn’t dampen Sheeran’s spirits. Later that night, he performed for a packed venue at the NICE Grounds, where he continued to deliver an unforgettable concert experience to his eager fans.

Sheeran’s brief brush with local authorities was met with understanding from his followers, who appreciated the honesty and enthusiasm he brought to the moment.

Whether performing on the streets or in packed stadiums, Ed Sheeran’s connection to his music and his fans is clear, and his unexpected street performance only added to the buzz surrounding his visit to India.