Lewis Capaldi performs for the first time since 2023 during a surprise appearance at an Edinburgh charity gig.
The Friday night concert, headlined by Tom Walker and Nina Nesbitt, at Edinburgh Assembly Halls, was in aid of the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm).
The Scottish-born singer last performed at Glastonbury 2003 before taking a break from live gigs citing “anxiety” as the main reason. During his Glastonbury set, the singer was repeatedly interrupted by his vocal tics, a symptom of the artist's Tourette's diagnosis
Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a patient to make involuntary movements and sounds called tics. Tics can often worsen in periods of high stress and anxiety.
Following his break, in the New Year, Capaldi announced he would be taking a longer hiatus from live performances to focus on his mental health.
Capaldi noted that since he took his break in 2023 he had seen great improvements in both his anxiety and Tourette's syndrome and hoped to take even more time off to improve his mental health.
On Friday, Capaldi joined Tom Walker onstage, which was a very “last minute decision” according to Walker.
The BBC reported that Walker said: “When Lewis confirmed he wanted to do it last minute, I was delighted. We’ve bumped into each other a few times over the years backstage at fezzys [festivals] and events, and he’s a total legend.”
“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.”
Capaldi had actually previously raised funds for Calm, playing a virtual acoustic concert in 2020 to support the charity.
Friday's gig is one of three “phone-free” charity performances organised across Scotland. Another gig will take place tonight on the 6th of May, at Albert Halls in Stirling and the final one is due to take place on the 10th of May at the Glasgow Old Fruitmarket.
Fans' phones were placed in sealed pouches at the start of the concert and attendees were encouraged not to film any of the performance.
Speaking about the series of shows, Simon Gunning, chief executive of Calm, said: “Calm started its life in music, having been set up by Factory Records’ Tony Wilson. It’s part of our DNA and a key tool in our fight against suicide."
“Music and musicians truly are a lifeline for so many people going through tough times, and it’s apt that these three gigs are taking place in the lead up to Mental Health Awareness Week.
“The theme this year is community, and there really is no greater community than music, and the collective experience of live music in particular – especially when we get a chance to switch off from our phones for a few hours."
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the artists involved, including our ambassador Tom Walker.”
