Lewis Capaldi launched his long-awaited Survive tour in Sheffield on Saturday night, returning to the stage after a two-year break taken to focus on his physical and mental health.
The 28-year-old singer opened the 17-date UK and Ireland run with back-to-back shows at the Utilita Arena, performing before a crowd of about 12,500 on the opening night. Ahead of the concert he posted a video from inside the empty arena on Instagram, teasing new music and writing: "First night back on tour and new song coming soon, life is good x." He also thanked fans, calling it his "first headline show since 2023".
Capaldi previewed an unreleased track, lip-syncing to a song titled "Something In The Heavens" in the pre-show clip. He and his team had also organised small surprises for concertgoers: signed posters were hidden at merch stands for fans to find during the launch shows. In the days leading up to the Sheffield dates, Capaldi sent mystery parcels across the UK containing bouquets from Freddie’s Flowers, a signed card and a recording of a lyric line from his upcoming single reading, "I love you 'til my last breath."
After the performance he posted clips on his Instagram Stories showing fans holding up phone torches and sharing moments from the evening. The tour will continue with dates in Aberdeen and Glasgow before moving across other UK and Irish venues.
Capaldi has been candid about his reasons for stepping back from live performance and the spotlight. He withdrew from parts of the public eye after a 2023 Glastonbury set in which tics associated with his Tourette’s syndrome intensified and left him unable to finish the performance. He returned to the Glastonbury stage this summer in what his camp described as an emotional comeback.
Speaking publicly about his recovery, Capaldi said he is "doing much better" and that he is no longer taking the antidepressant sertraline. On a recent livestream he said, "I'm not on antidepressants anymore," and described the process of coming off the medication as difficult. He credited therapy with helping him feel "the best I've felt in a long time," and said he expects to experience anxiety but is working on how he responds to it.
Capaldi also addressed the responses he received from other artists following his 2023 Glastonbury experience. He said Elton John called him the day after the incident to advise taking a break, and described the musician as a "really cool dude." He said fellow musician Niall Horan remained supportive through messages in a group chat. Capaldi added that while some people said they had checked in on him, that was not always the case.
Fans and peers have followed his recovery closely; Capaldi’s decision to relaunch touring now underscores both his improved wellbeing and a renewed focus on promoting new material. Organisers said the Survive tour spans major arenas across the UK and Ireland and will run through autumn, with Capaldi scheduled to play venues in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
Representatives for Capaldi did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on his health or the new music. Promoters say tickets for several dates remain available, while others sold out following the tour announcement earlier this year.