WATCH: Ed Sheeran’s impromptu peformance on Church Street stopped by Bengaluru police  

Bengaluru cops pulled the plug while British pop singer Ed Sheeran was doing a suprise gig at Church Street in Bengaluru on February 9, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

An impromptu gig by British pop singer Ed Sheeran on Church Street was stopped abruptly by the Bengaluru City Police on Sunday (February 9, 2025) afternoon.  

The global music icon who is in the city for his Mathematics concert was singing his pop hit number ‘Shape of You’ on Church Street when a policeman disconnected his microphone from the sound system. In the video, Mr. Sheeran could be heard saying “We have permission to be here.” 

No permission sought, say police

However, police officials said that he had not sought prior permission and hence, they had to stop the gig. “He had not taken permission, and we have no information about whether he had applied for the same. Even if he had applied, he needs to get permission before conducting a show in a public place. He had held a concert on Saturday (February 8) where 25,000 tickets were sold. He did this gig all of a sudden for a promotion and it could have led to law-and-order issues. Hence, we took action,” said a police officer from the Cubbon Park Police Station.  

He added, “He violated the law of the land. We stopped him and advised him to move away.” 

Church Street, a no-go for vendors and buskers

Last year, when the police evicted street vendors from Church Street, buskers were also advised not to perform on the streets. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Civic Commissioner, Tushar Giri Nath said, “There is a rule that permission needs to be taken for busking. But people continue to play and sometimes action is taken. It is a grey area, and we will sort it out soon.” 

What netizens said

Meanwhile, those who were on Church Street at the time of the gig expressed disappointment about what happened on social media. 

“Just saw Ed Sheeran on Church Street. He sang his song, but sadly the police stopped him in the middle,” an X user posted. 

“Police officer pulled the plug when Ed Sheeran surprised everyone with an impromptu performance on Church Street! Ed just wanted to vibe, but not today, officer. Not today,” said another user.