Lewis Capaldi describes his emotional and challenging Glastonbury 2023 performance as “probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me” because it pushed him to confront his mental health struggles and seek help.
The 29-year-old Scottish singer, who appears on Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool special tonight (Sunday, November 23), had previously taken a step back from performing after a visibly difficult set at the festival. Capaldi found it hard to sing his hit songs in front of tens of thousands of fans. Struggling with the moment, he apologized to the crowd, who showed unwavering support by singing along to help him finish his final song, “Someone You Loved.”
Since then, Lewis has been open about his diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome in 2022, as well as his ongoing battles with anxiety and panic attacks. In a candid conversation on the This Past Weekend podcast with Theo Von, he reflected on how the Glastonbury experience became a life-changing moment.
READ MORE: Rooftop Street Food Venue Seeks Approval After Sudden Closure
READ MORE: Leon Ends £25 Monthly Coffee Subscription Amid Customer Backlash
“A few weeks before that show, we were playing in Chicago, and I had an episode that was probably even worse,” he revealed. “I couldn’t finish a song and was backstage convulsing, experiencing a severe panic attack and mental breakdown—way worse than what happened at Glastonbury.”
Capaldi explained that because Glastonbury is such a high-profile stage, it was the first time many outside his usual audience witnessed his struggles live. “When I came off stage, I felt this strange relief. It was like, ‘Everything’s alright now. I can actually go and get help and fix myself over the next two years.’”
He said that attending Glastonbury 2023 was, “maybe the most important day in my life” and admitted he might not have stopped to seek help otherwise.
Therapy has played a crucial role in Lewis’s recovery. He credits his therapist’s insistence and guidance as the biggest factor that turned things around. “My current therapist can tell when I’m being avoidant. He pulls me back in and challenges me, making sure I don’t waste our sessions,” Capaldi shared. “That tough approach really helped me engage and improve.”
Lewis also discussed how switching from antidepressants to the anti-psychotic medication Aripiprazole has significantly changed his mental health. Initially intimidated by the term “anti-psychotic,” he now reports, “My anxiety levels are so low these days, and I’m feeling worlds better.”
Lewis Capaldi’s openness about his struggles and determination to get better is inspiring fans worldwide, showing the power of vulnerability and seeking help.