Glastonbury viewers hailed Lewis Capaldi as 'brave' after he struggled with ticks throughout his set on Saturday night (June 24).
The Scottish musician took to the iconic Pyramid Stage to perform a string of hits, including Bruises and Forget Me. But the 26-year-old, from Glasgow, battled through losing his voice and a great deal of ticks after recently being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome.
Lewis had several involuntary movements of his arms and head as his voice faltered a little, but the fans were right behind him and showed him phenomenal support as he lived out his 'childhood dream' to play Glasto. After performing Bruises, Lewis Capaldi admitted he was starting to lose his voice – but that he was going to power through to end of his slot.
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He told 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. I just need you all to sing with me as loud as you can if that’s okay?”
Then, after a rendition of Hold Me While You Wait, Lewis apologised and admitted he was annoyed with himself – but the crowd replied by cheering him on and chanting “Oh Lewis Capaldi”. He told them: “I recently took three weeks off just because I’ve been none 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.”
He 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.”
Fans were quick to praise the star for continuing with the set, and for speaking so candidly about mental health. People took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
@caveney_matthew said: "How brave is Lewis Capaldi? His ticks are severe but he perseveres and entertains a massive crowd. It’s clearly hard for him. He’s inspiring. #Glastonbury" and @chrishindlegs added: "Watching Lewis Capaldi and that crowd literally supporting him through this set. Tough watch but holy shit, he's one brave and determined bloke. Go on Lewis!! #glastonbury2023".
@MelanieHewitt61 added: "A #Glastonbury moment we’ll never forget. Beautiful, brave, beloved. #LewisCapaldi" while @stylescomer tweeted: "massive respect to lewis capaldi, so brave to go out there - absolute hero". @yipeekiyay88 said: "The nation stands and claps, what a brave performance look after him what a star".
@oimozza tweeted: "@LewisCapaldi I hope you felt the love from everyone at Glastonbury and at home for you. You are brave and brilliant and look after yourself" and @ZarahConnolly applauded: "Lewis Capaldi you legend. Take a bow how brave to be so open about everything. This Glastonbury crowd is incredible! Keep going lad".
And @tiffanyheppell tweeted: "Watching Lewis Capaldi live at Glastonbury was incredible. Moving yet entertaining & also highlighted the importance of looking after your mental health."
