Lewis Capaldi broke down on stage during his headline set at BST Hyde Park on Saturday, struggling to compose himself as he performed in front of 65,000 fans. The Scottish singer, 29, was overcome with emotion while reflecting on his career and return to the spotlight after a mental health break.
Emotional moment on stage
Fighting back tears, Capaldi told the crowd: "To be here with you all and to be able to..." He then turned away from the microphone and rubbed his eyes as the audience chanted his name. After composing himself, he added: "I didn't know if this was going to be possible... And so to be here it's really special for me."
The singer was referring to his difficult period in 2023, when he was unable to finish his Glastonbury set due to severe symptoms of Tourette's syndrome. He subsequently stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his mental health before returning to Glastonbury in 2025.
Nervous start and plea to fans
Earlier in the night, Capaldi admitted he was feeling nervous, telling the crowd: "Thank God the first three songs are done, I was f****** s******* myself." He also begged fans to stay until the end of his performance, joking that many might leave early to watch the England football match starting at 10pm.
"Thank you for being here! Although I know a lot of you might leave when the England game comes on. Let's not get into it. I'm Scottish, most of you guys are English. Can't we all live in peace and harmony? It's coming home..." he quipped, adding: "But it's f****** special that you're here, I appreciate you being here when you could be anywhere else. Even if you do go to the pub early... I mean, stay please, as many of you stay until the end as possible."
Surprise duet with Sam Fender
Fans who stayed were rewarded as Capaldi brought out close friend Sam Fender for a duet of his Olivia Dean collaboration "Rein Me In", which has become the longest-running number one single of all time by a British act. Introducing the Geordie singer, Capaldi said: "He's played stadiums all over the world but mostly, becoming a dear, dear, dear friend of mine. You know him, you love him, please welcome… the f****** incredible Sam Fender, ladies and gentleman."
Capaldi returns to Hyde Park for a second headline set on Sunday, July 12.
