The China Mail - Lewis Capaldi makes triumphant Glastonbury return with surprise set

Tens of thousands of fans flocked to the main Pyramid Stage in southwest England for the secret set, chanting "oh Lewis Capaldi" before the singer launched into hit song "Before You Go".

"Glastonbury, it is so good to be back. I'm not gonna say much up here today, because if I do, I think I probably start crying," he told the crowd.

"I just wanted to come and kind of finish work and finish the first time around on this stage," he added.

The 28-year-old in 2023 announced that he was taking a break from performing, after struggling to finish his Glastonbury set days earlier.

That year's Glastonbury was meant to be his comeback after he cancelled three weeks of shows due to the mental and physical effects of touring.

He had previously spoken of his difficulties coping with fame and suffering panic attacks, while he has also been diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome.

In an Instagram post at the time, Capaldi thanked the crowd for helping him, adding that he "used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this".

"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."

He added: "I'll be back as soon as I possibly can."

Tourette's is a neurological condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds or movements called tics. Stress and anxiety are common triggers.

The award-winning singer-songwriter is best known for his 2019 hit "Someone You Loved", which was a number one in the UK and United States and the song which he couldn't finish in 2023.

Capaldi choked up and had tears in his ears as he began the song this time around.

Despite the best-selling single and a best-selling album, he has spoken of having imposter syndrome caused by anxiety.

New Zealand singer Lorde helped kick off this year's festival with a packed out secret set.

Best known for hits including "Royals", "Green Light" and "Solar Power", the star's performance on the Woodsies stage coincided with the release of her much-anticipated fourth studio album which came out at midnight.

Organisers shut off Woodsies field just before Lorde came on stage due to overcrowding as news of her appearance spread around the festival's sprawling Worthy Farm site.

Headline acts this year include Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo, with other highlights including Charli XCX and Rod Stewart.

T.Wu--ThChM