‘It is obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order’
Lewis Capaldi has announced he is taking a break from touring for the “foreseeable future” after being forced to end his Glastonbury set early after struggling to sing.
In an Instagram post around 11am on Tuesday the performer apologised to his fans saying, “I’m sorry to let you know I’m taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.”
He went on: “I used to be able to enjoy every second of show like this and I’d hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.”
Lewis acknowledged he is “incredibly fortunate” to be able to take time out when “others can’t” and went on to thank his family, friends, team and medical professionals and “all of you who’ve been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during the past year when I’ve needed it more than ever.”
The statement ended by saying: “I’m so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. Playing for you every night is all I’ve ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possible can.
“All my love, always, Lewis.”
Fans were quick to praise the performer for his honesty.
“Takes a big man to let the world know what going on in your head,” one person wrote under his Instagram post.
“We’re all here for you Lewis. Seeing you shine in the highest of highs and struggle in the lowest of lows has made us all look at life differently in this modern world. Truly an inspiration! Big love man.”
Another fan added: “Real fans will stick by you no matter what we’ll be waiting for you, you need to get yourself better and put yourself first. You are inspiring people who also struggle with their mental health issues or neurodivergent people.”
Lewis lost his voice during his show at the Pyramid Stage Saturday, but was helped by fans in what was remembered as an “absolutely incredible moment”.
After performing fan favourite Bruises, Lewis admitted he was having voice issues, telling the crowd: “I’m going to be honest everybody but I’m starting to lose my voice up here, but we’re going to keep going and we’re going to go until the end.”
He continued: “I just need you all to sing with me as loud as you can if that’s okay?”
And fans were more than happy to help.
“This is too emotional. Lewis Capaldi has crisis and lost his voice amidst performance at Glastonbury Festival, then the crowd lifted hum up by singing th song through for him word for word,” one fan wrote. Another said: “I’ve never seen anything greater than this love.”
Nevertheless, Lewis continued to apologise to the crowd, and the Eavis family who organise the festival, for his voice starting to go.
Before his final song, Lewis told the crowd: “I recently took three weeks off just because I’ve been non-stop the past year and I wanted to take a wee break from my head for my mental health.
“I wanted to come back and do Glastonbury because it’s obviously so incredible, so I just want to thank you all for coming out.
“I was scared but you’ve really made me feel at ease so thank you very much for that.”
Lewis added: “I feel like I’ll be taking another wee break over the next couple of weeks so you probably won’t see much of me for the rest of the year maybe even.
“But when I do come back, when I do see you, I hope you’re all still up for watching.”
At the end of the Glastonbury performance, Lewis told the crowd that he would take some more time off.
Related links:
Lewis Capaldi forced to end Glastonbury set early as crowd helps sing while he ‘struggles’
Lewis Capaldi cancels all performances and commitments until Glastonbury
Lewis Capaldi’s new video sparks TikTok trend as fans break down in tears
