Lewis Capaldi has announced a break from touring “for the foreseeable future”, meaning he has pulled out of Splendor in the Grass and his 2023 Australia/New Zealand headline tour.
The news comes after the singer-songwriter’s appearance at Glastonbury Festival at the weekend, where he displayed tics from his Tourette syndrome and vocal difficulties. “My voice is getting big,” he said mid-game. “It really is damned to wrap up.”
In his statement, released on June 27, Capaldi thanked his fans at Glastonbury for singing along with him during the set and for the “amazing” messages they sent him afterwards. “It really means the world,” he said.
“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 tell you that I will be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.”
He added: “I’m still learning how to adapt to the effects of my Tourette’s and on Saturday it became clear that I need to spend a lot more time getting my mental and physical health under control so that I can continue doing everything I love for a long time to come.”
hi x pic.twitter.com/qK8zxTD5IS
— Lewis Capaldi (@LewisCapaldi) 27 June 2023
Capaldi was due to play Splendor in the Grass on Friday 21 July, billed under headliner Lizzo. “We know 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 say better,” Paul Piticco, co-CEO of Splendor organizer Secret Sounds, said in a release. “Lewis, we’ll all be here waiting when you’re ready!”
Set times and replacement acts for Capaldi, as well as Slowthai and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, who both also pulled out of Splendour, will be announced later this week, according to a press release.
Those with Friday Splendor tickets will be contacted by ticket seller Moshtix regarding refund applications. Those who have 3-day tickets will be able to reissue their ticket to someone else.
Fans who bought tickets for Capaldi’s Australia headline tour, which was due to take place July 7 to 15 in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne, will have their tickets automatically refunded.
Capaldi had canceled shows in the three weeks leading up to Glastonbury, citing the need for rest before the festival set. During his appearance on the Pyramid Stage, he told the crowd that he would be extending his break after Glasto, saying: “I feel like I’m going to take another little break for the next few weeks. You might not see me for the rest of the year . But when I come back and I see you, I hope you’re ready to watch.”