BENGALURU: Imagine taking a leisurely Sunday stroll, only to stumble upon your favourite artist performing on the street. That’s exactly what happened when Ed Sheeran treated Bengaluru to a surprise gig on Church Street during his India Tour — a true ‘Peak Bengaluru’ moment. Fans gathered in awe as he strummed his guitar, creating an unforgettable, intimate atmosphere.
The magic was, however, short-lived. In a move that shocked fans, police unplugged the mic mid-performance, citing footpath encroachment — right in the middle of Sheeran’s hit song, Shape of You. As officers attempted to escort him away, the singer told the crowd, “We’ve permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!”

Ed Sheeran began singing at 11.51am, but was shut down a minute later. The minute-long incident reignited debates whether authorities should be more flexible and welcoming to spontaneous artistic expressions.
Cubbon Park police denied that permission was granted for the performance. When TOI tried to contact the management of Ed Sheeran, they were unresponsive. Ed Sheeran is in Bengaluru as part of his India tour.
According to Cubbon Park police, no one approached them seeking permission to perform on Church Street. “No one can perform on the footpaths or roads as it causes inconvenience to others. Our team asked them to stop. When they didn’t heed, the cops at the spot unplugged the mic connection,” they said.
Sanjay Kumar, president of Church Street and Rest House Association, defended the police action, stating rules must be followed: “Even abroad, performances require permission. Sheeran’s team could have approached us, and we would have arranged a private space in a restaurant or an open venue for Bengaluru to enjoy.”
Fans and netizens voiced their frustration and disappointment, arguing that stopping a global pop icon from briefly performing was unnecessary and avoidable, especially in a city known for its vibrant music culture. While some called it an embarrassing moment for Bengaluru, others pointed to the lack of public spaces for cultural events.