This past weekend, the talented international singer Ed Sheeran found himself in a bit of a predicament while visiting southern India. Sheeran, known for his numerous Grammy wins, decided to surprise his fans with a live performance on a bustling street in Bangalore. However, his impromptu busking session was abruptly halted by the police, who claimed that the British artist had not obtained the necessary permission to perform in the area.
Despite being in the midst of belting out his hit song “Shape of You,” Sheeran was interrupted by a police officer clad in khaki who disconnected his guitar and microphone cables. Images of the incident circulated on social media, capturing Sheeran’s visible frustration as he raised his hands in disbelief.
Local authorities explained that Sheeran had been denied permission to busk on Church Street due to its high foot traffic, which the police strive to keep flowing smoothly. According to Shekhar H. Tekkannavar, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru Central division, a concerned citizen had alerted the authorities after witnessing Sheeran’s unauthorized performance.
In response, Sheeran took to Instagram to assert that the street performance had been pre-approved. “We had permission to busk,” he clarified, emphasizing that the event was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but had been planned in advance.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with one individual sharing a snippet of Sheeran’s unexpected concert experience on X. The post praised the serendipitous encounter with the renowned singer, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
While some online reactions commended Sheeran’s impromptu performance, others criticized the local authorities for their stringent enforcement, suggesting that they should prioritize more pressing issues such as traffic congestion and water scarcity in the bustling metropolis of Bangalore, home to approximately 14 million residents.
Despite this legal setback, Sheeran remains a beloved artist in India, having previously sold out a concert in Mumbai. He is scheduled to perform two more shows in India before continuing his tour to China and the United Arab Emirates.
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