Ed Sheeran has responded to the viral controversy surrounding his street performance in Bengaluru, clarifying that he had prior permission to busk at the location. The British singer, who is currently touring India as part of his Mathematics tour, took to Instagram to set the record straight after footage of police stopping his performance spread widely on social media.
Sharing a statement on his Instagram Story, Ed reassured fans that his performance was not spontaneous but rather a pre-arranged event with the necessary permissions in place. He wrote, "We had permission to busk, by the way. Hence, our 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 x."
The viral video showed Ed Sheeran arriving at Church Street in Bengaluru, carrying his guitar and setting up his equipment. As he began performing his global hit Shape of You, an excited crowd gathered around him, singing along with enthusiasm. The impromptu concert delighted fans, creating an electric atmosphere on the busy street. However, within moments, local police officials intervened, disconnecting his cables and halting the performance. The abrupt end to the performance sparked debate online, with many questioning why the authorities had stopped the event despite Sheeran’s immense popularity.
Despite the minor disruption, Ed Sheeran’s enthusiasm for his Indian fans remains undiminished. His Bengaluru concert, scheduled for later that evening, is one of the most anticipated events of his tour. The singer has already captivated audiences in Hyderabad and Chennai with his electrifying performances. Following his Bengaluru show, he is set to perform in Delhi NCR and Shillong, where fans are eagerly awaiting his arrival.
India has long been a special place for Ed Sheeran, who has visited the country multiple times and formed strong connections with both fans and artists. His previous trips have included interactions with Bollywood celebrities and collaborations with Indian musicians. As his tour continues, his fans across the country are celebrating the chance to experience his music live, despite the brief hiccup on Church Street.