Lewis Capaldi performs for first time since 2023 in surprise appearance at gig in Scottish city

The Glasgow-born star, who stepped back from the spotlight after playing at Glastonbury festival in 2023 to address physical and mental health issues, performed at the end of a gig in aid of charity The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) headlined by Tom Walker.

The gig at the city’s Assembly Rooms, one of a series of three concerts in aid of the charity, also saw Livingston-born singer songwriter Nina Nesbitt perform. The other concerts are due to take place in Stirling, where Declan McKenna and Bradley Simpson will play, while Nathan Evans & Saint Phnx and Caity Baser will perform in Glasgow.

On stage, Capaldi reportedly told fans he was “very nervous”.

Concert organisers had banned audience members from bringing phones into the gig. On Thursday, Walker released a video explaining how fans would need to put their phones into special pouches ahead of the show.

He said: “We’re keeping this gig super intimate, and that means we’re going old school — no phones, no cameras, no filming. Just you, me, and the music.”

Fans took to social media to express their excitement at Capaldi’s surprise appearance.

Gig goer Yvonne Mcclory said on X: “Tom Walker you were fabulous tonight , but very generous to give your night up to Lewis Capaldi, it was epic thank you, you’re both stars.”

Another fan, Nicole, said: “Lewis Capaldi being a surprise guest was the best thing ever. What a gig.”

Caitlin added: “Lewis Capaldi coming out at Tom Walker. Oh I’m going to bawl.”

Walker said after the show: "When Lewis confirmed he wanted to do it last minute, I was delighted. We've bumped into each other a few times over the years backstage at fezzys (festivals) and events and he's a total legend.

"I know how much pressure this industry can put on artists at times, especially after a bit of a break.

"So for him to be able to play a little secret gig in a safe space without all the phones, the noise and the expectations was perfect. I'm buzzing to have been a part of it."

Capaldi cancelled future live appearances after struggling on stage at the Glastonbury festival two years ago. He since appeared on a Netflix documentary, where he opened up about the impact of his Tourette’s syndrome diagnosis and panic attacks.

After his Glastonbury appearance, Capaldi said it had become obvious that he needed 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."

Rumours of a comeback have circulated in recent months, while Capaldi has been spotted out and about in public, most recently in Glasgow last week, when he visited the Dolphin Bar in Glasgow’s West End.

His close friend, YungBlud said recently that the star was creating new music and was “getting his mental health right”.

Speaking at an event showcasing his own new music in March, Yungblud said: “I have heard his new music and it sounds great. He is getting his mental health right. I love him, as me and him have been on this ride together.”

Capaldi released his cover of Britney Spears' Everytime to download and streaming sites last month, debuting on the UK Singles Downloads Chart at number 36.

In March 2019, Capaldi’s single "Someone You Loved" topped the UK Singles Chart where it remained for seven weeks.

CALM charged just £12.20 a ticket for the concert: the amount it costs to fund a call to its suicide prevention helpline.