Welcome Back Lewis Capaldi

Lauren Shiels reviews the Scotsman’s comeback at Glastonbury.

The world seemed to know about Lewis Capaldi’s Glastonbury set on the Pyramid stage before the gates were even opened at Worthy Farm. Not the best kept secret. “I don’t know who’s been f***ing telling everyone,” he jokes on stage.

Two years on from the last gig he performed on the same stage where his mental health had overtaken him, where his fans rallied together to sing on his behalf. He’s back.

Every song, but one, the crowd sung along. Lewis performing seamlessly aside from holding back the tears. There were no signs of physical tics that held him back two years ago. It’s clear he’s taken the time out of the public eye to receive the right support.

He performs a new song “Survive,” clearly inspired by his experiences over the last couple of years.

He wanted to write a song about overcoming his mental health problems and Tourette’s. He’s done that. And it’s straight to number one.

“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.”

There’s so much that someone can take away from listening to this song. It had thousands in tears listening to it – and that was just for the first time. The only song that the crowd didn’t sing along to; instead, emotionally taking it in.

He was already a role model. He’s even more so now.

We can all learn from the singer’s comeback. He openly discusses his Tourette’s and panic attacks. We should all do the same. Mental health problems need to be destigmatised.

He took a break when he needed to. We should all do the same. Self-awareness is so important. It’s okay to ask for help. He prioritised his mental health over work. We should all do the same.

As he said himself, “I’m Lewis Capaldi and I’m f***ing back baby.”

Yes, you are Lewis. And we couldn’t be more prouder.