Breakthrough: Lewis Capaldi Takes Charge to Empower his Career Amid Tourette's Syndrome Diagnosis

Lewis Capaldi plays at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival Guy Bell/Shutterstock

Fresh off his headline performance at the Glastonbury Music Festival on Saturday, June 24th, Lewis Capaldi has announced that he will not be making a return to the stage anytime soon. In an Instagram statement posted on Tuesday, June 27th, the 26-year-old "Before You Go" singer expressed his regret in delivering the news but admitted that he will be taking a break from touring indefinitely.

Capaldi had a packed schedule of over 20 shows lined up in various countries including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Iceland, the U.K., Spain, Germany, Greece, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates until the end of October. Last month, he released his sophomore album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent.

After taking a three-week break from performing, Capaldi was hoping that it would help him "sort me out" before his Glastonbury appearance. However, he admitted that he is still learning to cope with the impact of his Tourette's syndrome, and it became evident on Saturday that he needs to prioritize his mental and physical health to continue doing what he loves for a long time.

Courtesy of Lewis Capaldi/Instagram

The singer-songwriter from Scotland disclosed that he has been diagnosed with a nervous system disorder. This ailment, as described by Mayo Clinic, causes individuals to experience repetitive movements or involuntary sounds, commonly known as tics, that are difficult to control. During his performance of the hit song "Someone You Loved" at a music festival in the United Kingdom, Capaldi unexpectedly lost his voice and requested assistance from the audience to complete the rendition of his 2019 track.

One fan commended the Grammy nominee for his candor, and praised the audience for their support. "When his Tourette's became overwhelming and he needed a moment to regroup, thousands of voices lifted him up," tweeted a user on Sunday, June 25. "Listening to them sing gave me a profound, almost religious experience. The impact it had on Lewis Capaldi must have been profound. Even if you don't particularly like the song, it's hard not to be moved. Truly beautiful."

In another tweet on Sunday, another fan described the performance as "brilliant" and admired Capaldi's determination to take the stage despite his struggles. "That kind of courage is truly commendable."

In his Instagram message, Capaldi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take a break while acknowledging the privilege that not everyone shares. He extended his thanks to his family, friends, team, medical professionals, and all the supportive individuals who have been there for him throughout his journey, particularly during the challenging past year. Apologetically, he informed fans that he would be unable to perform at the upcoming shows, as his well-being is crucial to delivering the quality they deserve.

Capaldi expressed that playing for his audience every night has always been his ultimate dream, making the decision to take a break the most challenging one of his life. He assured his fans that he will return as soon as possible, sending his love and signing off as Lewis x.

The singer of "Wish You the Best" had previously discussed his Tourette's syndrome during an Instagram Live session in September 2022. He revealed that he received Botox injections in his shoulder to reduce twitching, which proved effective for a while. However, Capaldi mentioned that he still experiences symptoms when he's excited, stressed, or happy, noting that it occurs frequently.

Despite his diagnosis, the BRIT Award winner said at the time that he was feeling “healthy as f—k.”