Ed Sheeran India: Singer addresses moment police cut his mic during street performance

Ed Sheeran finally spoke out after Indian police abruptly halted his street performance in Bengaluru, cutting his mic mid-song. The Shape of You singer, who is currently on the international leg of his Mathematics tour, had planned a surprise busking session in the city before his concert—but things didn’t go as expected.

While performing at a pre-arranged location, Sheeran was stopped by authorities, despite claiming he had prior permission for the gig. In response to the incident, he reassured fans on social media, writing, “We had permission to busk btw, hence us playing in that exact spot, was planned out before, it wasn’t just us randomly turning up.”

Despite his attempt to continue singing, police remained firm. Two men reportedly tried to reason with the officers, but they refused to back down. As his microphone was switched off, Sheeran could do little more than smile, shrug, and accept defeat. However, he took the situation in stride, signing off his message with, “All good though. See ya at the show tonight x.”

The incident has sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans questioning why the world-renowned singer was stopped in the first place. Many speculated about local regulations surrounding public performances, while others pointed to possible miscommunication between event organisers and law enforcement.

Sheeran has a well-documented love for impromptu street performances, often surprising fans with small-scale gigs between major tour stops. Despite the unexpected interruption, the British star remains unfazed, ready to take the stage for his scheduled concert in Bengaluru later that evening.

This isn’t the first time an international artist has faced hurdles while performing in India. Similar incidents in the past have highlighted the country’s complex regulations surrounding public performances, especially in high-traffic areas. While Sheeran’s situation was handled without major conflict, it raises broader questions about how global stars navigate local laws and cultural expectations when engaging with fans beyond the stage.