Lewis Capaldi surprises fans as he performs for first time in two years

Daily Mirror

03-05-2025

Lewis Capaldi was a surprise guest at a Campaign Against Living Miserably charity concert - appearing on stage alongside headliner Tom Walker to belt out a string of hits
Lewis Capaldi stunned music fans on Friday night when he made a surprise appearance at charity concert. The 28-year-old Scottish singer has been out of the limelight in recent months and has not performed on stage since 2023.
But fans were thrilled at the end of the week when he appeared at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh during a charity concert in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). The Forget Me singer joined fellow chart-topping star Tom Walker to sing six songs.
‌
The guest appearance had been teased to those in attendance, with many left gobsmacked by the arrival of the reclusive music star. While a report has stated Lewis - who has battled anxiety and revealed in 2023 he has Tourette's syndrome - announced he was "very nervous" to perform in front of the crowd.
‌
Those in attendance were asked not to film the event - and also had to place their mobile phones into sealed pouches upon entering the concert. Headliner Tom warned fans in advance of the event to prepare to be in a phone-free environment.
He wrote online: "We're keeping this gig super intimate, and that means we're going old school — no phones, no cameras, no filming. Just you, me, and the music.
"The venue will be implementing a phone-free experience using YONDR pouches (you'll keep your phone with you in a locked pouch until after the show). Since you won't be able to access your phone during the event, please remember to bring a physical payment card and some cash if possible, along with photo ID matching your ticket name."
His advanced warning helped keep Lewis's involvement a secret - and he later shared his happiness over the fact that the star joined him on stage. The Just You and I singer told The Sun:"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 fezzys (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."
‌
Fans took to social media to congratulate Lewis's return to the spotlight - his first performance since he appeared at Glastonbury in 2023. One wrote on Instagram: "LEWIS YOU WERE INCREDIBLE TONIGHT! Thank you for such an incredible night, I'll never forgot it."
Others were shocked that the chart-topping star was the surprise guest of the night, with one writing: "Genuinely could not believe wtf was happening! I thought the guest would be someone like the red hot chilli pipers but OH MY GODDDDD I regret not sitting closer to the front."
‌
Lewis has been open about his struggles in the past - and has been largely out of the public eye both in real life and online in recent month. Back in January, the chart-topping star opened up about his struggles by posting lyrics on Instagram over a video showing shadows dancing under candlelight.
He wrote a caption alongside the short clip of footage, writing: "my heads a living hell, if i'm honest with myself x #newmusic #mentalhealth."
The lyrics over the images were from his 2023 song, A Cure For Minds Unwell, and state: "If I'm being honest, I couldn't tell you this is all I wanted. I struggle sleepin' 'cause the house feels haunted.
"Filled with the shadows of regret, And the things I should've said, To the ones I laid to rest. And lately, I'm terrified that all my youth is fading. Man, growin' old is so excruciating.
"Is there a cure for minds unwell? 'Cause my head's a livin' hell. If I'm honest with myself."