Lewis Capaldi says ‘I'm back baby' as he makes emotional return to Glastonbury

Western Telegraph

a day ago

The crowd started chanting 'Oh Lewis Capaldi' before he began playing the hit song Before You Go, to kick off his set, which had been listed as 'TBA' on the Glastonbury website.
Lewis Capaldi delighted fans with a short set at Glastonbury (Yui Mok/PA)
The musician, who announced a break from touring shortly after his performance at the festival in 2023, has just released a new song called Survive.
He told fans: 'It's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I think I will probably start crying.
'But it's just amazing to be here with you all, and I can't thank you all enough for coming out and coming and seeing me.
'Second time's a charm on this one, everybody.
'It's just a short set today, but I just wanted to come and kind of finish what I couldn't finish the first time round.'
A fan holds a 'Welcome back Lewis Capaldi' sign (Yui Mok/PA)
He performed a 35-minute set on the Pyramid Stage with songs including Hold You While You Wait and Grace.
Introducing his new song, he became visibly emotional as he said: 'The last two years haven't been the best for me, it's been difficult at times.
'This has been my f****** goal, to get back here', he added.
He ended his performance with Somebody You Loved, the track that Glastonbury crowd's helped him to sing when he struggled with his Tourette symptoms in 2023.
The star ended his set saying 'I'm Lewis Capaldi and I'm f****** back baby' (Yui Mok/PA)
'I really missed doing this for the last two years, it's been difficult at times to like think that maybe this wouldn't ever happen again…
'I couldn't sing this song two years ago for a different reason. I think I might struggle this time for another reason, but this time it's a good reason.'
He added: 'My name's Lewis Capaldi and I'm f***** back baby.'
Earlier on Friday, alternative pop star Lorde surprised fans with a secret set at Worthy Farm, performing her latest album Virgin, which was released on Friday, in full.
Elsewhere at the festival, British pop rock band The 1975 will be the first headliners to grace the Glastonbury Festival's Pyramid Stage this year when they perform on Friday.
Lorde held a secret gig at Woodsies tent (Yui Mok/PA)
Made up of four school friends, the group, known for songs including Chocolate, Someone Else and About You, comprises singer Matt Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel.
The five-day celebration of music and performing arts, which opened its gates on Wednesday, will also host headline performances from veteran rocker Neil Young and his band the Chrome Hearts, and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo.
The BBC confirmed on Thursday that Young's Saturday Pyramid Stage set will not be broadcast live 'at the artist's request'.
Supergrass performed on the main stage, 30 years after their classic debut album was released (Ben Birchall/PA)
This year's line-up features a number of acts listed as TBA, as well as a mysterious act called Patchwork, which will take to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday.
Festivalgoers had a clear morning after significant rainfall overnight, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s, according to the Met Office.
The Met Office's Grahame Madge said: 'Heat and humidity will be building over the weekend. We anticipate highs of 26C on Saturday, with high levels of humidity. By Monday temperatures can be anticipated to be over 30C.
'There is always the chance of a light shower, but there is nothing in the forecast that suggests anything heavier for Saturday for Somerset.'
Avon and Somerset Police said there had been 38 crimes reported at the festival, and 14 arrests made.
Fans have gathered at Worthy Farm for a typically spectacular line-up (Ben Birchall/PA)
On Saturday Irish rap trio Kneecap, who have had one of their members charged with a terror offence, will perform on the West Holts Stage at 4pm.
Before the festival, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would not be 'appropriate' for them to perform.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November last year.
Last week the rapper, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates' Court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts.
He was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing at the same court on August 20.
On Thursday the trio posted a film they executive produced on social media, titled Stop The Genocide, which includes testimonies from a Palestinian activist and plastic surgeon on the war in Gaza.
With a sunny few days predicted here at Worthy Farm, please take a moment to read this advice on staying safe in the heat. #Glastonbury2025 pic.twitter.com/ilnbdCcLKc
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) June 27, 2025
Performing in the coveted Sunday legends slot this year is Sir Rod Stewart, who previously said he will be joined by his former Faces band member Ronnie Wood, as well as other guests.
Sir Rod's performance will come after he postponed a string of concerts in the US, due to take place this month, while he recovered from flu.
In celebration of his legends slot South Western Railway has unveiled a new plaque at Twickenham railway station, where it is said that, years ago, he happened upon blues singer and band leader Long John Baldry, with whom he later played in the Hoochie Coochie Men.
Among the other acts expected to draw large crowds this year is pop star Charli XCX, who is engaged to The 1975 drummer Daniel, and will perform songs from her sixth studio album, Brat.
She is performing on Saturday night on the Other Stage, 15 minutes before the West Holts stage is graced by US rapper Doechii, another artist who has exploded in popularity in the last year.
The BBC is providing livestreams of the five main stages: Pyramid, Other, West Holts, Woodsies and The Park.