Lewis Capaldi took the stage at the iconic Glastonbury festival in June, and little did we know then that it would be a memorable event for the Grammy nominee in more ways than one.
As he struggled to get through his signature hit Someone Like You, Lewis bravely battled tics brought about by his Tourette’s syndrome. Despite the challenges, he gave it his all and delivered a heartfelt performance that touched the hearts of the audience.
But soon after the performance, Lewis announced that he would be taking an extended break from the spotlight to focus on his physical and mental health. This decision may have surprised some, but for those who know Lewis, it was a wise move that showed his dedication to taking care of himself and his well-being.
Fast forward to today, and Lewis is back with a bang. He made a triumphant return to the festival, and the UK charts, earlier this summer. In a recent interview, he opened up about the support he received from some of the biggest names in the industry during his much-needed break.
First and foremost, music icon Sir Elton John reached out to Lewis the morning after his Glastonbury performance. In an emotional recount, Lewis shared that Elton called him and said, “it’s a great idea to take a break” and “a wise decision.” It was a touching gesture that meant a lot to Lewis, and it speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he commands from his peers.
The fact that Elton had Lewis’ number shows the level of connection and friendship between the two. And it’s clear that Elton’s words of encouragement had a positive impact on Lewis, who referred to him as a “cool dude.”
Another artist who stood by Lewis during his time out was fellow singer Niall Horan. Lewis revealed that Niall was there for him “quite a lot,” and the two have a great friendship. It’s heartwarming to see these successful artists supporting and uplifting each other in times of need.
Unfortunately, not everyone was as supportive as Elton and Niall. Lewis revealed that some people who claimed to have checked in on him during his break actually did not. He chose not to “name and shame” these individuals, but he did express his disappointment and called it a “bizarre” and “really weird” thing to do.
Amidst all the drama, Lewis marked his return to the music scene with the release of his latest single Survive. The lyrics speak volumes about his journey, with lines like “I swear to God, I’ll survive if it kills me to, I’m gonna get up and try, if it’s the last thing I do.” It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we must never give up.
And his message clearly resonated with fans as Survive debuted at number one in the UK singles chart – his sixth song to reach this pinnacle. To add to the excitement, Lewis also announced that he will be going on tour in 2026, much to the delight of his dedicated fans.
For Lewis, the Glastonbury festival in 2023 was a pivotal moment in his life. Not only did he give a difficult, yet brave, performance, but it also led to some important realizations and great support from those closest to him.
In his own words, Lewis described it as the “most important day” of his life, and it’s clear that this experience has only made him stronger and more determined to succeed.
It’s inspiring to see Lewis Capaldi open up about his struggles and use his platform to raise awareness about mental health. His honesty and vulnerability make him not just an incredible artist, but also a role model for many.
As we celebrate Lewis’ triumphant return to the spotlight, let’s also remember to prioritize our own well-being and support those around us who may be going through a difficult time. And let’s continue to spread positivity and kindness, just like Lewis Capaldi has shown us.