Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi was overwhelmed by loving support from fans after he gave a social media update on his mental health.
The 26-year-old recipient of the 2020 Brit Award for Best New Artist had previously opened up about his Tourette's syndrome.
He announced he was taking a break from touring for "the foreseeable future" after experiencing a bout of tics while performing the 2019 UK hit "Someone You Loved" at Glastonbury Festival 2023.
Despite the involuntary spasms forcing him to pause in the middle of the song, the crowd continued singing the song until Capaldi was able to resume and join them.
On New Year's Eve, Capaldi took to X (formerly Twitter) and informed fans he had been working with "some incredible professionals" to help him learn and cope with living with the neurological condition and his anxiety issues.
"I'm really happy to say I've noticed a marked improvement in both since I decided to take some time off back in June," said the singer.
He continued:
“I was completely overwhelmed by the reaction to the news that I was taking a break and genuinely want to thank each and every one of you who reached out, left a comment, tweet or DM wishing me well."
"The support was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and has made me more excited than ever to return to doing what I love at some point in the not too distant future."
While he was on an indefinite hiatus from touring, Capaldi announced he was releasing a special extended edition of his second album Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent that would include five previously unreleased songs.
He added:
“For now I’m going to continue taking some time to carry on looking after myself, maybe writing some music and taking a moment to reflect on some of the most incredible years of my life."
"I want to make absolutely sure I’m 100% before getting back out there again properly for more shows and doing what I love more than anything.”
“I hope this tides you all over until we can get in a room and sing them together some day very soon."
Support from fans flooded the comments.
@LewisCapaldi Sending you healing energy my love \xf0\x9f\x99\x8f\xf0\x9f\x8f\xbb Mental health journeys can be unpredictable but I know youre gonna find your balance xx It took me a few years to find a proper one for my tick disorder but I made it \xf0\x9f\x96\xa4 Well be here when your ready \xe2\x9c\xa8— (@)
@LewisCapaldi It\xe2\x80\x99s so wonderful to hear how you\xe2\x80\x99re doing! \xf0\x9f\xa9\xb7 I was so surprised by the emotions I had listening to your music after you took your break. I\xe2\x80\x99m happy you\xe2\x80\x99re doing well and I can\xe2\x80\x99t wait to hear the new music tomorrow. Happy New Year!! Lots of love and very best wishes. \xf0\x9f\xa9\xb7— (@)
@LewisCapaldi 2024 made right out the gate! So much love being sent your way, Lewis! We will be here for you no matter what, thick and thin. You take all the time you need to care for yourself and let us handle the \xe2\x80\x9cfan\xe2\x80\x9d stuff. So glad you\xe2\x80\x99re improving. \xf0\x9f\xab\x82WE LOVE YOU! \xf0\x9f\x92\x97\xf0\x9f\x92\x97\xf0\x9f\x92\x97— (@)
In 2022, Capaldi opened up about his Tourette's syndrome.
The Glasgow native told Sky News:
"I have Tourette's. I've always had it, apparently. I do a shoulder twitch quite a lot. It's a new thing."
"The worst thing about it is when I'm excited, I get it."
"When I'm stressed, I get it. Some days it's more painful than others. It's not a big a deal. It looks a lot worse than it is."
He downplayed it as "not a big a deal" but admitted that some days are "more painful than others."
Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent (Extended Edition) is now available.
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