Lewis Capaldi is back in the spotlight, and for many fans across the UK, it feels like a long-awaited homecoming. After stepping away from music to focus on his health, the Scottish singer-songwriter has returned with a string of emotional performances, sold-out arenas, and a renewed sense of gratitude for his supporters.
Capaldi’s journey over the past two years has been anything but easy. In 2023, he was forced to cut short his much-anticipated Glastonbury set after experiencing a flare-up of his Tourette’s symptoms—a moment he would later describe as the “worst moment of his life,” according to STV News. The Somerset crowd, however, rose to the occasion, singing along to “Someone You Loved” and helping Capaldi through a visibly difficult performance. It was a testament to the bond between artist and audience, one that would only deepen during his hiatus and eventual return.
Fast forward to September 2025, and Capaldi is once again commanding stages across the UK. His tour kicked off with two sold-out shows at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on September 6 and 7, where the 28-year-old singer was visibly nervous. At one point, emotion overcame him, and he broke into tears on stage. The vulnerability wasn’t lost on his fans, who flooded social media with messages of pride and support. As reported by Edinburgh Live, Capaldi later posted a heartfelt video clip of himself on stage, captioned: “Being back on stage means more than you know. Thank you for waiting x.” That simple message resonated deeply, garnering over 160,000 likes and 3,000 comments. One fan wrote, “We weren’t waiting, we were silently standing beside you the whole time.” Another added, “We would have waited however long you needed. We’re so glad to have you back.”
The tour is a milestone for Capaldi—it’s his first time performing to sold-out arenas filled solely with his own fans in over two years. The excitement was palpable as tickets for his comeback shows in Aberdeen and Glasgow were snapped up within minutes, only to reappear on resale sites for hundreds of pounds above face value. Many disappointed fans took to social media to express their frustration, with some suggesting that Capaldi could easily fill stadiums given the demand.
But the singer himself has been candid about the challenges of returning to such large-scale performances. Addressing the calls for bigger venues, Capaldi admitted, “Honestly after taking the break it’s impossible to know how many of ya might want to come [or] not come to shows. Playing at venues the size of stadiums would be the most terrifying thing ever at this stage of my comeback.” It’s a sentiment that highlights both his humility and the lingering uncertainties that come with returning to the stage after a difficult hiatus.
Capaldi’s struggles with Tourette’s syndrome have been well documented, and he has spoken openly about the impact it has had on his career and mental health. The NHS describes Tourette’s as “a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.” Symptoms can range from grimacing and eye rolling to shouting out random words or even swearing, though the latter is relatively rare. The condition usually begins in childhood, often improves over time, and is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. For Capaldi, the disorder has presented unique challenges, especially in the high-pressure environment of live performance.
Reflecting on his journey, Capaldi has been honest about the difficulties he faced, both on and off stage. Earlier this year, he revealed, “I really struggle with it, it’s not fun. I don’t have a fun time there. I feel amazing after, it’s like going to the gym, I think, which obviously I’m well versed in. Sometimes it can be really difficult, but I think I do it because I realise how important it is for me to continue to feel good, because I’ve felt the best I felt in a long time through therapy, I would say that has been the cornerstone of like, why I feel how good I feel now.”
Capaldi also admitted that he had previously been “lying” to a therapist, telling them what he thought they wanted to hear. But now, after embracing therapy more fully, he says he “feels amazing” and credits those sessions as a turning point in his recovery. It’s a message that has resonated with many fans who have followed his journey and found inspiration in his openness about mental health.
The emotional highs and lows of Capaldi’s return have been underscored by the music itself. During his Sheffield shows, he performed a piano ballad with his upcoming track “Something In The Heavens” playing in the background of the video he shared online. The song, like much of Capaldi’s work, is deeply personal and reflective, capturing the vulnerability that has become a hallmark of his artistry.
As Capaldi’s tour continues, he is set to perform two nights at the P&J Live in Aberdeen on September 10 and 11, followed by two nights at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on September 13 and 14. The tour will then move on to London’s O2 Arena, Manchester’s Co-Op Live, Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, Nottingham’s Motorsport Arena, Cardiff’s Utilita Arena, and finally Dublin’s 3Arena, with dates running through September 30, 2025. Each stop is a celebration of resilience, not just for Capaldi but for the fans who have stood by him during his absence.
Yet, the excitement surrounding Capaldi’s return has also reignited debates about ticketing and accessibility. The surge in resale prices has left many loyal fans priced out of the experience, raising questions about how artists and venues can better ensure fair access in the future. While Capaldi’s team has not announced any changes to ticketing policies, the outcry highlights a persistent issue in the live music industry—one that’s likely to remain in the spotlight as demand for concerts continues to soar post-pandemic.
For now, though, the focus remains squarely on the music and the moments of connection it creates. Capaldi’s comeback is more than just a return to the stage—it’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of mental health, and the unwavering support of a community that refuses to let one of its own stand alone.
With each heartfelt performance, Lewis Capaldi is not only reclaiming his place in the music world but also reminding fans everywhere that resilience, honesty, and a little bit of humor can carry us through even the toughest of times.
