Lewis Capaldi left fans ecstatic on Friday night with a surprise appearance at a charity concert in Edinburgh. The 28 year old Scottish sensation, who has kept a low profile recently and hasn’t graced the stage since 2023, delighted attendees at the Assembly Rooms where he performed six songs alongside fellow music heavyweight Tom Walker for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
The “Forget Me” hitmaker’s unexpected participation was hinted at to those present, leaving many utterly astonished by the emergence of the usually elusive star. Reports indicate that Lewis, who has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome diagnosed in 2023, confessed to being “very nervous” about performing live again.
In a bid to maintain an intimate atmosphere, audience members were instructed not to record the event and were required to secure their mobile phones in locked pouches before entering the venue. Tom Walker, the main act of the evening, had previously advised his followers to anticipate a phone-free experience, stating online: “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.
“The venue will be implementing a phone-free experience using YONDR pouches (you’ll keep your phone with you in a locked pouch until after the show). Since you won’t be able to access your phone during the event, please remember to bring a physical payment card and some cash if possible, along with photo ID matching your ticket name.”
His advanced warning helped keep Lewis’s involvement a secret – and he later shared his happiness over the fact that the star joined him on stage. The Just You and I singer told The Sun: “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.”
Fans took to social media to congratulate Lewis’s return to the spotlight – his first performance since he appeared at Glastonbury in 2023. One wrote on Instagram: “LEWIS YOU WERE INCREDIBLE TONIGHT! Thank you for such an incredible night, I’ll never forgot it.”
Viewers were stunned to see the chart-topping star emerge as the surprise guest of the night, sparking a frenzy on social media with comments such as: “Genuinely could not believe wtf was happening! I thought the guest would be someone like the red hot chilli pipers but OH MY GODDDDD I regret not sitting closer to the front.”
Lewis, who has been candid about his personal battles, retreated from the spotlight in recent months. Yet, in January, the singer opened up about his inner turmoil through an Instagram post where he overlaid lyrics upon a haunting video of shadows flickering in candlelight.
Accompanying this eerie visual presentation, Lewis shared: “my heads a living hell, if i’m honest with myself x #newmusic #mentalhealth.”