Struck down by Tourette’s, silenced by fear — but Lewis Capaldi returned in tears, louder than ever. He didn’t just survive. He made Glastonbury cry with him

Lewis Capaldi made a powerful and emotional comeback to the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage on Friday, two years after his battle with Tourette’s syndrome forced him to cut short his 2023 set.

The Scottish singer, now 28, stunned fans with a secret performance, walking out to roaring cheers from the Worthy Farm crowd. Fighting back tears, he shouted, “I’m back baby!” — a declaration that sent waves of emotion across the fields.

In 2023, Capaldi struggled to finish his set due to the overwhelming effects of Tourette’s, prompting him to step away from the spotlight. But on Friday, he returned determined to reclaim that moment. “Two years ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever do this again,” he told the crowd, his voice shaking. “But I’m here. And this time, I’m finishing what I couldn’t last time.”

He performed a string of fan favourites before debuting his raw and deeply personal new single “Survive”, which chronicles his internal battles, self-doubt, and journey back to music. The track includes heart-wrenching lyrics like: “Most nights I fear that I’m not enough… but I swear to God I’ll survive, even if it kills me.”

As he sang Someone You Loved, fans in the audience wept, held banners, and chanted his name. Capaldi, visibly moved, told them, “If I say too much, I might start crying. But thank you for being here.”

Famous friends and fans flooded social media with love. Sam Fender called it “Return of The King,” while Alan Shearer and Jade Thirlwall joined a chorus of praise.

Capaldi had previously announced his hiatus to focus on mental health, but his return to Glastonbury — even as the “worst kept secret” — proved he’s back, stronger and more open than ever.