Ed Sheeran stopped from busking in Bengaluru by Indian police

British pop star Ed Sheeran was stopped by police while performing on the streets of Bangalore, a city in southern India, on Sunday, reportedly because he did not obtain the necessary permits. A video of local police unplugging Sheeran's microphone on Church Street in Bangalore—a crowded shopping and entertainment district—quickly spread online.

According to the ANI news agency, officials stated that Sheeran's team's request for a street performance was denied in order to avoid traffic congestion in the area. However, Sheeran insisted on Instagram: "Btw we did have permission to busk. So we were within the law at that particular place. It was pre planned not just random. All good. See you at the show tonight." The incident occurred before his scheduled Mathematics Tour concert at NICE Grounds in Bangalore.

Fans criticized the police intervention online, with one fan saying: "We live in an ‘uncle raj’ nation. Nothing ‘uncles’ love more than stopping young people from having fun." This refers to the many vague rules governing the use of public spaces in India. However, PC Mohan, a local member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, stated: "Even global stars must follow local rules – no permission, no show!"

Sheeran is in India for a 15-day tour for the second consecutive year, having already performed in Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai, with more concerts planned in Shillong in northeastern India and the capital, Delhi. During his Bangalore performance, Sheeran surprised fans by singing two local Telugu hits with singer Shilpa Rao. Last year, he also collaborated with Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at his Birmingham concert. While in India, he also collaborated with sitar musician Megha Rawat on a version of his hit song "Shape of You."

With rising disposable incomes, India is emerging as a growing player in the "concert economy," with a recent report by the Bank of Baroda projecting the value of live concerts to reach $700 to $900 million (£550 to £730 million). The demand for live music is increasing in India, with Sheeran's largest-ever tour in India following Dua Lipa's recent performance in Mumbai and Coldplay's multi-city tour.