Singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi became visibly emotional during his recent performance at BST Hyde Park, acknowledging the uncertainty he faced regarding his ability to perform again following his Tourette's diagnosis. The Scottish artist shared his feelings with the audience, stating, "I didn't know if this would be possible again so to be here it's really special for me!"
Capaldi, 29, is headlining two shows at this year's BST Hyde Park. On Saturday night, he paused to reflect on his journey over the past few years. He had previously taken time off to focus on his mental health and to adjust to the impact of his Tourette's diagnosis, a decision made after an emotional performance at the Glastonbury festival in 2023.
Last year marked his return to the Glastonbury stage, followed by a 17-date arena tour across the UK and Ireland. During his Hyde Park set, Capaldi struggled to finish a sentence as he expressed his feelings, stating, "To be here with you all and to be able to..." He took a moment to compose himself before continuing.
Earlier in the evening, Capaldi had playfully urged fans to stay for the entirety of his set, joking that they might leave to watch England's World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. "Thank you for being here! Although I know a lot of you might leave when the England game comes on," he said, before adding, "I'm Scottish, most of you guys are English. Can't we all live in peace and harmony? It's coming home." He further expressed his appreciation for their presence, noting, "But it's f****** special that you're here, I appreciate you being here when you could be anywhere else."
In 2023, Capaldi's documentary "How I'm Feeling Now" explored his struggles with Tourette's, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary noises and movements known as tics, which can affect speech. His 2023 Glastonbury performance was particularly notable, coming after a three-week mental health hiatus. He admitted at the time to being "s**t scared" to perform amid his mental health challenges and battle with Tourette's. During that set, he openly discussed his Tourette's symptoms, noting that his voice was affected and he had been coughing. His fans showed strong support, singing his hit "Someone You Loved" as he left the stage, apologizing for his performance.
Following the Glastonbury performance, Capaldi announced a break from touring to focus on his mental and physical health, stating it was a difficult decision necessary to "adjust to the impact" of living with Tourette's. Capaldi released his debut album, "Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent," in 2019, followed by "Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent" in 2023, which debuted at number one.