Lewis Capaldi has announced an indefinite break from touring to focus on his physical and mental health, after the Scottish singer, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, struggled to sing during his Glastonbury performance.
Capaldi said he would not perform for the “foreseeable future”, acknowledging that the news “probably won’t come as a surprise”, while saying that “doesn’t make it any easier to write”. Glastonbury was Capaldi’s first live show after previously taking a three-week break. During the final few songs of his performance, however, he was almost unable to sing. For his hit song ‘Someone You Loved’, the crowd intervened to sing it for him in one of the most moving, memorable moments from this year’s Glastonbury.
“But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need 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.
“I know I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can’t and I’d like to thank my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who’ve been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during this past year when I’ve needed it more than ever.
“I’m so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. 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.”
Lewis Capaldi’s latest album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, became the singer’s second UK Number 1 album. Read our full review of the record here.
Capaldi said he would not perform for the “foreseeable future”, acknowledging that the news “probably won’t come as a surprise”, while saying that “doesn’t make it any easier to write”. Glastonbury was Capaldi’s first live show after previously taking a three-week break. During the final few songs of his performance, however, he was almost unable to sing. For his hit song ‘Someone You Loved’, the crowd intervened to sing it for him in one of the most moving, memorable moments from this year’s Glastonbury.
Speaking publicly for the first time since, Capaldi said he was “still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s”. Capaldi had 26 worldwide dates scheduled between now and October. “First of all, thank you to Glastonbury for having me, for singing along when I needed it and for all the amazing messages afterwards. It really does mean the world,” he wrote. “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. “I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I’d hoped three weeks away would sort me out.We love you Lewis Capaldi ❤️ Glastonbury crowds are the best. pic.twitter.com/x6ZnIIgRpP
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) June 24, 2023
Photo: Shane Anthony Sinclair
