Lewis Capaldi made a highly anticipated comeback at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2025, marking his return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus. The singer-songwriter, known for his soulful ballads, took a break to focus on his health following a challenging period that included a diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome.
During his surprise performance on the iconic Pyramid Stage, Capaldi expressed his joy at being back in front of his fans. “Glastonbury, it’s so good to be back,” he told the crowd. With a hint of emotion in his voice, he added, “I’m not going to say much up here today because, if I did, I might start crying.”
His absence from the spotlight stemmed from a difficult performance at Glastonbury in 2023, where he struggled with vocal issues attributed to his Tourette’s diagnosis. This nervous system disorder can lead to involuntary movements and vocal tics, which Capaldi opened up about on social media. He revealed that he had been experiencing tics for a long time, but they became more pronounced during performances.
“I’ve always had it apparently,” he shared during an Instagram Live session. “I do the shoulder twitch quite a lot, and you see underneath every TikTok people are like, ‘Why is he twitching?’ Which is fine. Curiosity is fine. I get it.” Capaldi also mentioned that he was learning to manage the condition, including getting Botox injections to help control the tics.
After his 2023 Glastonbury performance, Capaldi made the difficult decision to cancel all future shows, prioritizing his mental and physical health. He explained that he needed to “take a break from touring for the foreseeable future.” His candidness about his struggles resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, many of whom expressed their support for his journey.
Fast forward to 2025, and Capaldi’s return to Glastonbury was met with enthusiasm. Fans had speculated about his possible appearance, especially after he released his comeback single, “Survive.” Sharing the stage with renowned artists like Brandi Carlile, Raye, and Neil Young, Capaldi performed a mini-set of seven songs, including his chart-topping hits “Someone You Loved,” “Grace,” and “Before You Go.”
Reflecting on his time away from performing, Capaldi admitted, “It’s been difficult at times [thinking] that maybe this wouldn’t ever happen again. Genuinely, from the bottom of my heart, it means the f*ing world to me that everyone’s here.” He concluded his heartfelt speech with a triumphant declaration: “My name is Lewis Capaldi and I’m f*ing back, baby!”
Capaldi’s return is not just a personal victory but also a testament to the resilience of artists facing health challenges. His journey highlights the importance of mental health awareness in the music industry and beyond. As he continues to navigate his career with Tourette’s syndrome, fans are eager to support him and celebrate his artistry.
In a world that often places immense pressure on artists, Capaldi’s story serves as a reminder that taking time for oneself is crucial. His honesty and vulnerability have not only endeared him to fans but have also sparked conversations about mental health and the realities of living with a chronic condition.
As Lewis Capaldi embarks on this new chapter, fans can look forward to more music and performances, knowing that he is prioritizing his well-being. With his undeniable talent and determination, Capaldi is set to continue captivating audiences worldwide.
