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Lewis Capaldi has made an emotional and unexpected return to live performance, two years after stepping back from the spotlight to focus on his health. The Scottish singer-songwriter, 28, shocked fans at a charity concert in Edinburgh on Friday night, taking the stage as a surprise guest after Tom Walker's set at a benefit gig for suicide prevention charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Capaldi, who took a hiatus from touring in 2023 following a difficult performance at Glastonbury, appeared at the Assembly Halls venue to perform six songs, including his chart-topping hit Someone You Loved. His appearance was kept tightly under wraps, with fans told not to use phones during the event and asked to stay after Walker’s set for an unannounced surprise.
The reaction from the crowd was immediate and emotional. Social media lit up in the hours that followed with fans describing the experience as “unreal” and “close to tears,” praising the stripped-back, deeply personal atmosphere that allowed Capaldi to connect with his audience in a safe and supportive space.
Capaldi had previously explained that his decision to take a break from touring was due to struggles with his Tourette’s syndrome and mental health challenges. After visibly battling tics on stage at Glastonbury in June 2023, the singer released a heartfelt statement announcing that he would be stepping away indefinitely to prioritise his wellbeing. He cancelled a number of tour dates shortly after, telling fans: “This has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can.”
The Before You Go singer has long been open about his ongoing mental health journey, with his second album Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent and his Netflix documentary How I’m Feeling Now offering raw insights into the pressures of fame, anxiety, and living with Tourette’s. He has also publicly acknowledged the possibility that he may one day have to give up performing altogether if his condition becomes unmanageable.
However, this weekend’s secret set doesn’t mark an official return to touring, according to the BBC. Instead, Capaldi simply wanted to lend his support to CALM, a cause close to his heart. The performance was arranged at the last minute, with Tom Walker later revealing he was “buzzing” to have had Capaldi join the night.
“We’ve bumped into each other backstage a few times over the years,” Walker told the BBC. “I know how much pressure this industry can put on artists, especially after a bit of a break. For him to play in a safe space without all the noise and expectations was perfect.”
While fans may need to wait a bit longer for a full return, Capaldi’s appearance offered a powerful reminder of his enduring talent, vulnerability, and connection to his audience, one that clearly remains as strong as ever.
