Ed Sheeran Busks in Bengaluru, Sparks Controversy

Pop Star Takes Time Out to Perform on the Streets

Pop megastar Ed Sheeran took time out between concerts to busk in Bengaluru yesterday, but the impromptu performance sparked controversy when police abruptly terminated the show. Sheeran, a four-time Grammy winner, is currently on a six-city tour of India and had a sold-out performance in Mumbai last year.

Police Claim Lack of Permission

Videos shared on social media show a police officer disconnecting Sheeran’s microphone midway through a rendition of his hit “Shape of You” on Church Street, a bustling retail hub. Local authorities claimed that while Sheeran had a permit to play at concerts, that did not extend to impromptu outdoor performances.

Karnataka’s Home Minister Weighs In

Karnataka’s home minister, G Parameshwara, said that the police had not given Sheeran permission to perform on the streets. “He is a very famous singer and naturally there will be chaos. To prevent that, police had not given him permission,” Parameshwara said. “In spite of that, he has come and tried to perform, so police prevented him. Nothing beyond that.”

Sheeran Denies Breaking the Law

Sheeran denied that he had broken the law, saying that he had been granted permission to busk “in that exact spot.” “It wasn’t just us randomly turning up,” he wrote on Instagram shortly after the incident, adding magnanimously that it was “all good though.”

Social Media Reaction

Social media users were critical of the police yanking out Sheeran’s microphone cables, with one calling it “abysmal and embarrassing.” Another criticized Indian police for failing to effectively prosecute crimes against women, but Sheeran “singing on the street is where they draw the line.”

Booming Demand for International Acts

Sheeran’s performance in Bengaluru is not the first time an international act has drawn a large crowd in India. British rock band Coldplay performed what it called its “biggest-ever show” at a massive cricket stadium in the western city of Ahmedabad in January. The booming demand for international acts is driven by young, affluent Indians looking to splurge on new entertainment experiences.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s busking performance in Bengaluru highlights the complex issues surrounding street performances in India. While Sheeran’s fans were thrilled to see him perform impromptu, the police’s decision to terminate the show raises questions about the limits of artistic expression in public spaces.

FAQs

Q: Did Ed Sheeran have permission to busk in Bengaluru?
A: Sheeran claimed that he had been granted permission to busk “in that exact spot,” but the police denied this, saying that he lacked the necessary permission.

Q: Why did the police terminate the performance?
A: The police claimed that Sheeran lacked the necessary permission to perform on the streets, and that they were trying to prevent chaos.

Q: What is the reaction of fans and social media users?
A: Fans are thrilled to have seen Sheeran perform impromptu, while social media users are critical of the police’s decision to terminate the show, calling it “abysmal and embarrassing.”