Lewis Capaldi unexpectedly returns to the stage two years following his Glastonbury performance.
Lewis Capaldi has performed on stage for the first time in two years (Picture: Harry Durrant/ Getty Images)
Lewis Capaldi has made a surprising return to the stage two years after announcing a break from touring. In 2023, the Scottish singer, 28, paused touring after experiencing a flare-up of his Tourette’s while performing at Glastonbury.
At the time, he shared a statement on social media explaining, “The fact that this probably won’t come as a surprise doesn’t make it any easier to write, but I’m very sorry to let you know I’m going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.”
Last month, it was revealed that Lewis had been working on new music, but he also delighted fans with an unexpected appearance at a charity gig. On Friday night, he made a surprise guest appearance at Tom Walker’s show for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which focuses on suicide prevention, at Assembly Halls in Edinburgh.
Following Tom’s set—during which fans were prohibited from filming—the audience was told to stay for a surprise, leading to Lewis taking the stage to perform six of his songs, concluding with “Someone You Loved.”
He announced a break from touring after his Glastonbury set in 2023 (Picture: Oli Scarff/ AFP)
He played some of his songs this weekend at a charity gig organised by Tom Walker (Picture: Jed Cullen/ Dave Benett/ Getty Images)
Taking to social media shortly after, attendees expressed that it was “the best thing ever,” while others shared that it left them “close to tears.” Speaking to the BBC after the event, Tom said he was “delighted” Lewis agreed to perform “last minute.”
“We’ve bumped into each other a few times over the years backstage at [festivals] and events, and he’s a total legend,” he noted. “I know how much pressure this industry can put on artists at times, especially after a bit of a break. So, for him to play a little secret gig in a safe space without all the phones, noise, and expectations was perfect. I’m buzzing to have been a part of it.”
A few weeks after his Glastonbury performance, Lewis announced he would be taking a break from touring in June 2023. Shortly thereafter, he canceled a series of shows, explaining he needed to “spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.”
In a heartfelt statement, he also addressed his fans: “Playing for you every night is all I’ve ever dreamed of, so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can.”
His second album, *Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent*, detailed his battles with anxiety, while his Tourette’s syndrome was discussed in the Netflix documentary *How I’m Feeling Now*. He mentioned to The Times that there might come a day when he might have to quit music due to the struggle to control his tics.
According to the BBC, Lewis’ performance this weekend doesn’t indicate a planned return to the stage; he wanted to support CALM after previously playing virtual concerts for the organization during the pandemic.
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