Glastonbury 2025: Lewis Capaldi makes triumphant return to Pyramid Stage with new song ‘Survive’
Two years after making his last public appearance on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, Lewis Capaldi triumphantly made his comeback on the very same stage.
In 2023, Capaldi’s set at Glastonbury was supposed to be the start of an unforgettable summer for the Scottish singer-songwriter. He was set to headline Reading and Leeds, as well as a host of other huge outdoor shows. Heartbreakingly, Capaldi, who has been open about his struggles with anxiety and Tourette’s, was unable to finish his set.
Beautifully, the crowd at Worthy Farm in 2023 were able to cover for him on vocal duties on ‘Somebody You Loved’, and it made for one of the weekend’s most touching moments.
Days after his set, Capaldi announced an indefinite break from touring, telling fans on social media, “I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this, and I’d hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my 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.”
Since then, Capaldi has kept a low profile and not released any music or toured. However, earlier this year, he returned to the stage for a series of intimate charity performances in Scotland, which were phone-free events. Now, he’s back finishing what he started in 2023.
During his comeback set, Capaldi emotionally told the crowd: “Glastonbury, it is so good to be back. I’m not going to say much up here today, because if I do, I’ll probably start crying.”
He then quipped, “Second time is a charm,” before thanking Glastonbury for letting him return to “finish” his set.
Capaldi began his set by performing ‘Before You Go’, and also treated the Pyramid Stage to renditions of hit songs such as ‘Grace’ and ‘Hold Me While You Wait’. Throughout, he commented about easing himself back into it as the crowd sang his name in unison.
At the close of the brief set, Capaldi was moved to tears as he thanked the crowd. He then unveiled a new song about his journey to overcome the struggles that curtailed his previous set, performing ‘Survive’ for the first time. He finished his set proudly proclaiming, “My name is Lewis Capaldi, and I’m fucking back baby.”
Although Capaldi’s set was listed as TBA on the Glastonbury poster, the identity of the secret set was hinted at earlier this week when billboards appeared outside the festival and also in his native Glasgow, leading to fervent speculation that he would perform.
While there may not be a more heartwarming moment at Glastonbury today, the Pyramid Stage is also set to welcome Biffy Clyro and headliners The 1975 later this evening.
Watch Capaldi’s comeback track ‘Survive’ below.
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