NEWS
Lewis Capaldi made a triumphant return to Glastonbury on Friday (June 27) in an unannounced Pyramid Stage performance – watch footage below.
Rumours had been swirling all week that the Scottish singer would fill the ‘TBA’ slot at 16:55 on the festival’s main stage, and whispers were further heightened when he released the powerful new single ‘Survive’ earlier today (June 27), his first new material since 2023.
The hopes were realised when he walked out in front of a giant sundrenched crowd and he soaked in their adulation, with the Pyramid audience immediately chanting his name back at him.
Capaldi last played at Worthy Farm in 2023, but throughout the set he struggled with tics brought on by Tourette’s and he ended the show prematurely. Fans had helped him that day, with his set being met with an outpouring of support from both those in attendance and those watching at home. One mother of a teenager with Tourette’s hailed the performance as “amazingly powerful” and said that she was “in tears” over it.
His return to the Pyramid served as a form of redemption, with Capaldi delivering a rousing and emotional 35-minute set of his best-loved tracks.
He opened with spirited renditions of ‘Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent’ singles ‘Before You Go’ and ‘Grace’, with the crowd singing along enthusiastically.
Addressing the crowd, he went on to say: “Glastonbury, it’s so good to be back. I’m not going to say much up here today, because if I do I think I’ll probably start crying. It’s just amazing to be here with you all and I can’t thank you all enough for coming out and seeing me.”
“Second time’s a charm on this one, everybody. We’re just going to do a short set today, I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish the first time round on this stage. I want to thank everyone at Glastonbury for letting me do so.”
He then quipped: “Also, this was like the worst kept fucking secret. So who’s been fucking telling people?!”
After ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, he said playfully chided the audience for singing his name, saying, “We’re on tight schedule here”. He added that he “hasn’t been on stage in two years”, and choked up as he thanked the crowd for showing up once again.
Introducing the new single ‘Survive’, Capaldi said: “The last two years haven’t been the best for me, it’s been difficult at times. I wanted to make a song that was about overcoming that stuff and getting through it. This has been my fucking goal, to get back here doing this. So this song is about that.”
“I’ve really missed doing this in the last two years. As I say, it’s been difficult at times, thinking maybe this wouldn’t ever happen again. I couldn’t sing this song two years ago for a different reason, I think I might struggle for another reason this time.”
“I’m Lewis Capaldi and I’m fucking back, baby!” he concluded, before launching into a massive singalong version of ‘Someone You Loved’, with the crowd taking on the final chorus a cappella as Capaldi fought back tears on stage.
‘Before You Go’
‘Grace’
‘Hold Me While You Wait’
‘Bruises’
‘Survive’
‘Forget Me’
‘Someone You Loved’
Capaldi’s set followed on from sets from Lorde, Supergrass, CMAT and Wet Leg, with The 1975, Biffy Clyro and Loyle Carner among those set to round out the Friday line-up.
Check back at NME here for the latest news, reviews, interviews, photos and more from Glastonbury 2025.
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
