Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi has made a stirring return to the music scene with the release of his new single, "Survive," marking his first new music in nearly two years. The 28-year-old artist’s comeback coincides with his highly anticipated, yet unconfirmed, performance at the Glastonbury Festival on Friday, June 27, 2025, where fans are eager to see him reclaim the stage after a challenging period in his career.
Capaldi’s hiatus began after an emotional and difficult set at Glastonbury in June 2023, where he struggled visibly with his Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations. During that performance, his voice faltered and his tics became pronounced, prompting the audience to sing along to his hit "Someone You Loved" to help him finish the song. Following the show, Capaldi announced a break from touring and the public eye to focus on his mental and physical health, stating he needed time to "adjust to the impact" of his Tourette’s diagnosis, which he revealed in 2022.
In the months that followed, Capaldi shared candid insights into his struggles through the Netflix documentary Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now, released in April 2023. The documentary explored the pressures of fame and the toll it took on his mental and physical well-being, resonating deeply with audiences and topping Netflix’s charts. It also garnered critical acclaim, winning a National Television Award and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Music Film.
"Survive," co-written with longtime collaborator RØMANS—who also co-wrote his global megahit "Someone You Loved"—is a raw and powerful ballad that addresses Capaldi’s battles with self-doubt and despair. The song opens with the poignant lines, "How long 'til it feels / Like the wound's finally starting to heal? Most nights I fear / That I'm not enough / I've had my share of Monday mornings when I can't get up." Yet, the chorus rings with defiance and hope: "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'll do."
The release of "Survive" on June 26, 2025, was accompanied by a striking music video directed by Henry Dockrill, featuring intimate clips from Capaldi’s life and career. On Instagram, he captioned the post simply, "It’s been a while…," signaling a heartfelt reconnection with his fans. The timing of the release fueled speculation about his secret set at Glastonbury, especially after mysterious billboards bearing lyrics from the song appeared near the festival site in Somerset and in Glasgow, his hometown. These billboards included a phone number that, when called, played a message reading, "Hey, it’s TBA, thanks for signing up," hinting at the secret slot on the Pyramid Stage where Capaldi was rumored to perform.
On the day of his Glastonbury return, Capaldi’s name flashed on the Pyramid Stage's video screens to a roaring crowd. He walked onstage, greeted the audience with a peace sign, and launched into "Before You Go" and "Grace." Overcome with emotion, he told the crowd, "Glastonbury, it's so good to be back. I'm not going to say much up here today because if I did I might start crying." He acknowledged the difficulties of the past two years and expressed his desire to "finish what I couldn't finish first time around," referring to his 2023 set. The crowd responded with chants of his name to the tune of The White Stripes’ "Seven Nation Army," creating a deeply supportive atmosphere.
Capaldi’s return to live performance began earlier in May 2025 with a series of intimate warm-up shows in Scotland, including a secret gig at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms hosted by the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). These low-pressure performances, where fans were asked to keep their phones sealed away to foster a safe environment, allowed Capaldi to reconnect with music and audiences on his own terms. Fellow musician Tom Walker praised these shows, noting how important it was for Capaldi to perform in a space free from the usual industry pressures.
Capaldi’s two albums have both topped the UK charts, with his debut, Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, becoming the biggest-selling UK album of 2019 and 2020. His sophomore album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, released in 2023, debuted at number one with 95,000 units sold in its first week, outselling the rest of the UK Top 10 combined. It spawned three UK number-one singles, including "Pointless," "Wish You The Best," and the Platinum-certified "Forget Me," working with renowned producers such as Max Martin and Malay.
Fans have welcomed Capaldi’s return with open arms, flooding social media with messages of support and admiration for his decision to prioritize his health. One fan wrote, "Can we all stand up and give this young man the round of applause he deserves, for stepping back and taking the time to seek the help he needed. What a role model. Welcome back, Lewis. The world is a brighter place with you in it." Fellow singer Tom Grennan added, "Welcome back brother."
While Capaldi has not yet announced plans for a full-scale tour, his surprise Glastonbury appearance and new single signal a hopeful new chapter. The festival itself has featured other secret performances, including New Zealand singer Lorde, who opened the Woodsies stage with her new album, Virgin.
Lewis Capaldi’s journey over the past two years has been marked by vulnerability, resilience, and a commitment to self-care. His triumphant return with "Survive" and his Glastonbury performance demonstrate not just survival, but a renewed strength and passion for his craft. As he continues to navigate the challenges of fame and health, Capaldi’s story offers a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, both for oneself and from others.
