⁠When was Lewis Capaldi's last stage performance? Singer joins Tom Walker's charity concert in Edinburgh as a surprise guest

Lewis Capaldi surprised the world when he made a stage comeback after over two years away at Tom Walker's charity concert at Edinburgh's Assembly Halls on 2 May 2025. The surprise performance at the concert was Capaldi's first live performance since he took an indefinite hiatus. He had stopped performing because of his Tourette syndrome.

The performance was a benefit concert for the suicide prevention group Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and attendees were promised a special surprise. Following Walker and fellow Scottish singer Nina Nesbitt's performances.

Lewis Capaldi's surprise performance stunned everyone as he performed a six-song set on stage. This was his first public appearance since Glastonbury in 2023. He ended the evening with Someone You Loved, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019.

Since the event had a no-phone policy. Audiences were asked to put their phones inside a sealed Yondr bag. This made Lewis Capaldi's comeback distraction-free.

The event's main headliner, Tom Walker, subsequently disclosed that Lewis Capaldi's participation was an impromptu choice. Walker told the BBC:

“"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."

Walker added:

"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."

Why did Lewis Capaldi step away?

Lewis Capaldi said in June 2023 that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus from touring. He soon decided to take a hiatus after he had failed to complete his performance at the Glastonbury Festival because of his Tourette syndrome. He had revealed to the world that he was suffering from Tourette's syndrome in the year 2022. The audience at Glastonbury sang along with Capaldi to help him complete the song Someone You Loved.

In an Instagram post at the time, Lewis Capaldi wrote:

"Hello everyone, 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 then addressed his decision to step back from the spotlight:

"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."

Capaldi said candidly about how Tourette's affected his performance:

"I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this, and I’d hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out. 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."

Additionally, he conveyed his appreciation to those who supported him:

"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."

Lastly, Capaldi promised and sincerely apologized to his fans:

"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. All my love, always, Lewis x."

Even though Friday's performance was a poignant occasion, BBC Scotland believes that this performance does not indicate a return to regular performances. The singer's only goal was to help CALM, a cause dear to him. In 2020, Lewis Capaldi held a virtual acoustic performance to generate money for the organization.

Walker organized the performance as the first of three phone-free charity concerts to increase awareness of mental health issues. The next dates are May 6 in Stirling's Albert Hall, where Declan McKenna and Bradley Simpson will play, and May 10 in Glasgow's Old Fruit Market, with Nathan Evans, Saint PHNX, and Caity Baser performing.

Trending

Fans saw Lewis Capaldi's surprise performance as encouraging, even if he hasn't revealed any intentions to resume touring. His 2023 Netflix documentary, which revealed his candor regarding mental health, has only increased popular respect.

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

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