Lewis Capaldi performs first gig in two years after break for anxiety

Telegraph

04-05-2025

The singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi performed on stage for the first time in two years after taking a break for his anxiety.
The 28-year-old, who has Tourette's syndrome, last performed publicly at Glastonbury in 2023, during which his condition flared up. He announced on New Year's Eve the same year that he planned to take a hiatus to focus on his mental health.
Capaldi performed six songs on Friday night, including the 2019 hit Someone You Loved, at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh to raise funds for suicide prevention.
Fans were asked not to film any of the set, with their phones placed in sealed pouches throughout the performance, the BBC reported.
Capaldi, from Bathgate, West Lothian, released his first album in 2019 and a second album in 2023.
'A total legend'
Tom Walker, the headline act, said the appearance was a last-minute decision from Capaldi, and fans were told to stay around for a secret act in addition to him and Nina Nesbitt.
The BBC reported that Walker said: 'When Lewis confirmed he wanted to do it last-minute, I was delighted. We've bumped into each other a few times over the years backstage at fezzies (festivals) and events, and he's a total legend.
'I know how much pressure this industry can put on artists at times, especially after a bit of a break.
'So for him to be able to play a little secret gig in a safe space without all the phones, the noise and the expectations was perfect.
'I'm buzzing to have been a part of it.'
Musicians are a 'lifeline'
The singer was raising funds in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), a suicide-prevention charity. He has previously worked with Calm, playing a virtual acoustic concert in 2020 to support the charity.
Speaking about the show, Simon Gunning, chief executive of the organisation, said: 'Calm started its life in music, having been set up by Factory Records' Tony Wilson. It's part of our DNA and a key tool in our fight against suicide.
'Music and musicians truly are a lifeline for so many people going through tough times, and it's apt that these three gigs are taking place in the lead-up to Mental Health Awareness Week.
'The theme this year is community, and there really is no greater community than music, and the collective experience of live music in particular – especially when we get a chance to switch off from our phones for a few hours.
'We're incredibly grateful to all the artists involved, including our ambassador Tom Walker.'
'Looking after myself'
On New Year's Eve 2020, Capaldi wrote on Instagram that he planned to 'make sure I'm 100 per cent before getting back out there properly'.
He wrote: 'For now I'm going to continue taking some time to carry on looking after myself, maybe writing some music and taking a moment to reflect on some of the most incredible years of my life.
'I want to make absolutely sure I'm 100 per cent before getting back out there again properly for more shows and doing what I love more than anything!'