The Scottish singer opens up about the terrifying episode that forced him off stage weeks before his Glastonbury collapse—and how it became a turning point for his career and life
Lewis Capaldi has always been celebrated for his raw, heart-wrenching ballads and self-deprecating humor, but his willingness to speak candidly about his struggles with mental health might be his most powerful legacy yet. In a recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast “This Past Weekend,” the Scottish singer shared a harrowing story that even his most devoted fans hadn’t heard before. Weeks before his highly publicized collapse on stage at Glastonbury in 2023, Capaldi experienced what he now describes as an even more intense panic attack in Chicago—one that left him backstage, shaking and unable to continue his performance.
At just 28 years old, Capaldi has already weathered the highs and lows of international fame, but his latest revelation adds a sobering layer to his journey. “I was backstage, convulsing, having this crazy panic attack and psychological episode. I couldn’t go back out and finish the song,” he confessed. The incident, previously unknown to the public, paints a vivid picture of the unseen toll that relentless touring and the pressure of stardom can take on an artist.
Reflecting on his breakdown at Glastonbury, Capaldi admitted it marked a pivotal moment—not just for his career, but for his entire approach to life. “The Glastonbury stage is massive, and that was the first time people outside my own shows really saw what I go through,” he said. The video of him struggling to finish his set went viral, sparking conversations about anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and the cost of fame. But Capaldi now views that moment with an unexpected sense of gratitude. “In a weird way, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn’t have stopped otherwise,” he shared with unflinching honesty.
The thought of continuing down that path frightens him now. “We were about to head to Australia. It could have been really, really bad. I shudder to think what might have happened,” Capaldi admitted. The intensity of his words reveals just how close he came to reaching a breaking point—and how crucial it was to step back.
Capaldi’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks are not new. In 2022, he revealed his diagnosis with Tourette syndrome, explaining how the disorder’s symptoms—uncontrollable movements and tics—are often exacerbated by stress and fatigue. This diagnosis shed light on his visible tics during performances, and his openness about living with Tourette’s has resonated deeply with fans worldwide. He’s become an advocate for mental health by simply being himself: unfiltered, self-aware, and brave enough to share his vulnerability on a global stage.
In the wake of the Glastonbury incident, Capaldi made the difficult decision to take an indefinite break from touring to focus on his recovery. While fans eagerly await his return, he has made it clear that he won’t step back onto a stage until he feels fully ready—both physically and emotionally. This level of self-awareness and prioritization of mental health is rare in the music industry, where relentless schedules and constant public scrutiny often push artists past their limits.
His story underscores an important message: even at the height of success, knowing when to pause is not a weakness but a strength. For Capaldi, that pause may have been life-saving. His willingness to draw boundaries serves as a powerful reminder to artists and audiences alike that well-being must come first, even when the world is watching.
As fans hold their breath for news of his eventual return, there’s no doubt that when Lewis Capaldi does decide to perform again, it will be on his own terms. And when that moment comes, it won’t just be a comeback—it will be a triumph of resilience, honesty, and the power of self-care. Until then, his music continues to speak volumes, offering solace to listeners who, like Capaldi, know the weight of anxiety all too well.
