Lewis Capaldi Officially Withdraws From Splendour In The Grass

Hello everyone. First of all, thank you to Glastonbury for having me, for singing along when I needed it and for all the amazing messages afterwards. It really does mean the world. The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future. 

I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come. 

I know I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can't and I'd like to thank my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who've been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during this past year when I've needed it more than ever. 

I'm so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. Playing for you every night is all I've ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I'll be back as soon as I possibly can. 

All my love, always, Lewis x

Splendour in the Grass and Secret Sounds Co-CEO Paul Piticco said “We know that many of you will be disappointed but, we’re sure Lewis’ fans will agree, all that really matters is that he takes the time he needs to feel better. Lewis, we’ll all be here waiting when you’re ready!"

Capaldi has long struggled with the pressures of his rise to the top of the pop world. He earlier took time off, cancelling UK and European shows earlier this month, with Glastonbury to be his return ahead of his Australian dates. 

The Glastonbury set was heartbreaking for both the artist and fans, with Capaldi looking visibly dejected and needing the help of the crowd to get through the last song. 

"Glastonbury, I'm really sorry," he said as his voice faltered. "I'm a bit annoyed with myself." The entire 100,000 strong crowd then sang the emotional chorus and bridge of Someone You Loved, helping Capaldi to centre himself. Taking in the magnificent view, he said "I feel like I'll be taking another wee break over the next couple of weeks. So you probably won't see much of me for the rest of the year."

Splendour in the Grass Friday only ticket holders will be offered a full refund and while three-day pass holders will not, the promoters advise that they are able to reissue their tickets to someone else if they can no longer attend.

It hasn't been an easy road for Splendour in the Grass, recovering after last year's flooding issues. Already the festival is searching for replacements for earlier withdrawals Slowthai and Rainbow Kitten Surprise but in good news for ticketholders, the festival has teased that replacements for all three internationals will be announced later this week. 

The seminal Australian music rite of passage is still expected to be one of the highlights of the 2023 live music calendar, with Lizzo, Flume, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mumford and Sons, Sam Fender, Little Simz and more. The event will also have extensive forum, comedy club and science tent programs and with a fine weather forecast is set to remind punters why it remains at the apex of the Australian festival scene.