Lewis Capaldi has made a shock return to the stage two years after announcing a break from touring.
In 2023 the Scottish singer, 28, announced a halt to touring after his Tourette’s flared up while on stage at Glastonbury and he struggled through his performance.
At the time he shared a statement on social media that explained: ‘The fact that this probably won’t come as a surprise doesn’t make it any easier to write, but I’m very sorry to let you know I’m going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.’
Last month it was revealed Lewis had been working on new music, but he’s now also delighted fans with an unexpected appearance at a charity gig.
On Friday night he was a surprise guest at Tom Walker’s show for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which works in suicide prevention, at Assembly Halls in Edinburgh.
Following Tom’s set – during which fans were banned from filming with their phones – they were told to stay for a surprise, with Lewis then taking to the stage to perform six of his songs, which concluded with Someone You Loved.
Taking to social media soon after, attendees said it was ‘the best thing ever’ while others said it left them ‘close to tears’.
Speaking to the BBC after the event, Tom said he was ‘delighted’ Lewis said yes ‘last minute’.
‘We’ve bumped into each other a few times over the years backstage at [festivals] and events and he’s a total legend,’ he said.
‘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.’
A few weeks after his Glastonbury performance, Lewis announced he was taking a break from touring in June 2023.
Soon after he cancelled a string of shows, explaining he needed to ‘spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come’.
In a heartfelt statement he also addressed his fans: ‘Playing for you every night is all I’ve ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can.’
His second album Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent detailed his battles with anxiety while his Tourette’s syndrome was discussed in the Netflix documentary How I’m Feeling Now.
He went on to tell The Times that there might come a day when he might have to quit music because of the struggle to control his tics.
According to the BBC, Lewis’ performance this weekend doesn’t mark a planned return to the stage, and he instead wanted to support Calm after previously playing virtual concerts for the organisation during the pandemic.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.