Lewis Capaldi live in Sheffield: Scotland’s favourite superstar makes a triumphant return
On his first tour since a much-needed hiatus, Lewis Capaldi's talent and wise-cracks shine brighter than ever.
For Scotland’s second son, Lewis Capaldi, the last few years have been turbulent to say the least. Since leaping onto the scene with his 2019 debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, Capaldi’s trajectory has only skyrocketed. By the time he released the all-important follow-up, 2023’s Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, the Whitburn singer’s ability to mix stand-up worthy chat with tear-inducing ballads had cemented his status as one of the UK’s biggest talents.
But then Glastonbury hit. The moment when the singer famously battled Tourette’s during a Pyramid Stage slot in 2023 and announced a hiatus and cancelled all touring dates to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing. It wouldn’t be until earlier this year—two years later—when he finally graced the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury again.
Ultimately, the past trials and tribulations Capaldi has faced have only made his sold-out opening night of his UK and Ireland tour at Utilita Arena Sheffield even sweeter. Despite the hiatus, his fans have remained constant by his side; impressively, the whole arena tour—a string of 17 dates throughout September—has sold out.
Few artists can write songs fit for both weddings and funerals, but Capaldi has long excelled at that balance. When he steps on stage at 8.45pm, the opening strains of ‘Survive’ made it clear the night would be an emotional one.
Backed by his five-piece band on a tiered stage with a curtain of visuals, Capaldi sparked mass singalongs from the very first note. The crowd echoed every lyric back with real force.
Three songs in with ‘Heavenly Kind Of State Of Mind’, Capaldi finally greeted the 13,600-strong audience, saying: “How are you doing, Sheffield?”
Prior to launching into ‘Wish You The Best’, Capaldi acknowledged the hiatus. “Sheffield, thank you so much for still being here. This is genuinely quite overwhelming to be standing in front of this many people after all that time off. It means the fucking world”, he told the crowd.
The audience enjoyed Coldplay-esque wristbands which illuminated the dark, right before confetti rained down on the arena. The crowd was dazzled by big hits such as ‘Bruises’ and ‘Forget Me’. During the former, Capaldi even stopped mid-song to check that audience members were okay, a gesture appreciated by the crowd.
The set was the longest Capaldi has performed to date, and he was vocally flawless throughout. He even showcased a “good chunk of new music”, which should be released this year. Including a soaring track entitled ‘Almost’, his next single ‘Something In The Heavens’, and an extremely emotional piano-led tune called ‘The Day That I Die’.
Prior to launching into the encore, Capaldi said: “Sheffield, thank you so much for coming this evening. We’re back, baby.” The encore itself included ‘How I’m Feeling Now’ and ’Hold Me While You Wait’.
Before capping off his triumphant set with fan-favourite ‘Someone You Loved’, Capaldi engaged with the crowd in a final sincere moment to show his gratitude.
He said: “Genuinely, I love each and every one of you in here, in a way.
“Again, I don’t know how to say it enough, it fu***** means everything we’re back doing this.”
Undoubtedly, for any performer, opening night can be an experience where an artist might feel the most nervous, yet Capaldi was firing on all cylinders from start to finish. He’s back where he belongs.